MicroRNA 323b-5p (miR-323b-5p)

MicroRNA 323b-5p (miR-323b-5p) is a small non-coding RNA molecule that functions as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression. It belongs to the miR-323 family and is involved in various biological processes, including cell cycle control, apoptosis, and cell proliferation by targeting specific mRNAs for degradation or translational inhibition [1, 2]. In oncology, miR-323b-5p has been identified as a tumor suppressor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where it targets the IL1A axis to arrest the cell cycle at the G1/S phase [1]. Conversely, its upregulation in the serum of type 2 diabetic patients is strongly associated with the development of critical limb ischemia, making it a potential diagnostic biomarker for vascular complications [2, 3]. While no specific small-molecule drugs currently target miR-323b-5p, therapeutic strategies under investigation include the use of microRNA mimics to restore its function in cancer or antagomirs to inhibit its pathological activity in ischemic diseases [5, 8]. The clinical development of miR-323b-5p-based therapies faces challenges common to RNA therapeutics, such as ensuring precise tissue delivery and minimizing off-target effects [4].

Other names

hsa-miR-323b-5pMIR323BMicroRNA 323b

Binds to the 3-untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, such as IL1A, to induce mRNA degradation or translational repression, thereby modulating downstream signaling pathways like the G1/S cell cycle transition.