MicroRNA-324 (miR-324)

MicroRNA-324 is a non-coding RNA molecule in humans encoded by the MIR324 gene on chromosome 17p13.1[2][3][4]. As a microRNA, it binds primarily to the 3’ untranslated regions of target mRNAs, leading to their translational repression or degradation and thereby modulating a wide range of gene expression programs[2][4]. Both mature forms (miR-324-5p and miR-324-3p) are biologically active and target distinct gene sets. miR-324 is highly expressed in the brain and has key roles in neuronal activity, synaptic plasticity, cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as in pathologies including cancer, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and inflammation[2][3][4]. Its dysregulation is implicated in the progression and prognosis of multiple diseases; experimental modulation (via mimics or inhibitors) is under investigation as a potential therapeutic or diagnostic strategy[1][2][3][4].

Other names

hsa-miR-324MIR324hsa-mir-324mir-324MIRN324miR-324-5pmiR-324-3p

Antagomirs inhibit miR-324 function, affecting the regulation of its gene targets (e.g., neuronal potassium channel genes in epilepsy models). Synthetic mimics can enhance miR-324 activity, suppressing or activating specific gene networks depending on the disease context.