MicroRNA-331-3p (miR-331-3p)

MicroRNA-331-3p (miR-331-3p) is a highly conserved, small non-coding RNA that functions as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression. It exerts its biological effects by binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of specific target mRNAs, leading to either translational repression or mRNA degradation (miRBase, 2023). In oncology, miR-331-3p is predominantly characterized as a tumor suppressor; for example, it directly targets the ERBB2 (HER2) oncogene in prostate cancer, thereby inhibiting downstream PI3K/Akt signaling and reducing cell proliferation (Epshtein et al., 2009). It also plays significant roles in gastric and colorectal cancers by modulating pathways involved in apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (Guo et al., 2012). Beyond cancer, miR-331-3p is implicated in cardiovascular health and the regulation of inflammatory responses. Therapeutic strategies currently under investigation involve the use of synthetic miRNA mimics to restore its suppressive function or antagomirs to inhibit its activity in cases where it may act oncogenically. Its stability in circulating biofluids has also positioned it as a promising non-invasive biomarker for early disease diagnosis and monitoring treatment efficacy.

Other names

hsa-miR-331-3pMIR331MicroRNA 331miR-331

Binds to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), such as ERBB2 and NRP2, to induce mRNA degradation or inhibit protein translation (Epshtein et al., 2009; miRBase, 2023).