MicroRNA 323a (miR-323a) (miR-323a)

MicroRNA 323a (miR-323a) is a small non-coding RNA molecule that acts as a key post-transcriptional regulator by binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs). This binding typically results in the degradation of the target mRNA or the inhibition of its translation into protein, thereby silencing the expression of the associated gene (PMID: 25611364). miR-323a is involved in several critical biological processes, including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and the modulation of inflammatory pathways (PMID: 22461141). In clinical contexts, miR-323a is frequently associated with cancer, where it often functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting oncogenes such as IGF-1R and ARHGAP5; its downregulation is linked to increased tumor growth and metastasis (PMID: 26464701). Furthermore, miR-323a plays a significant role in respiratory diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and asthma, where it regulates the expression of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory mediators like SMAD2 and CCL22 (PMID: 25611364, PMID: 22461141). Although miR-323a and its downstream mRNA targets represent promising therapeutic avenues, there are currently no FDA-approved drugs targeting this pathway. Development efforts focus on miRNA mimics to restore expression or antagomirs to inhibit it, though challenges remain regarding tissue-specific delivery and the potential for off-target effects due to the broad regulatory network of a single miRNA.

Other names

MIR323Ahsa-miR-323a-3phsa-miR-323a-5pMicroRNA 323a regulated transcriptsmiR-323a-3pmiR-323a-5p

MicroRNA 323a regulates gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression.