MicroRNA-339-5p (miR-339-5p)

MicroRNA-339-5p (miR-339-5p) is a mature microRNA that serves as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression across various physiological and pathological processes [1]. It primarily functions as a tumor suppressor in numerous cancers, including breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer, by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the targeting of oncogenic mRNAs such as MDM2, BCL6, and Skp2 [1, 3, 4]. By downregulating MDM2, miR-339-5p facilitates the stabilization and activation of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway, leading to enhanced apoptosis and senescence [3]. In the central nervous system, miR-339-5p regulates the expression of BACE1, a key enzyme in the production of amyloid-beta, suggesting its involvement in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease [6]. While predominantly tumor-suppressive, some evidence suggests it may exhibit oncogenic properties in specific contexts, such as liver cancer or lymphoma, where it can promote cell survival or inhibit ferroptosis [1, 8]. Therapeutic strategies currently under investigation include the use of miRNA mimics to restore its function in deficient tumors and antagomirs to block its activity in contexts where it promotes disease [1, 10]. Additionally, miR-339-5p is being explored as a non-invasive biomarker for cancer prognosis and the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions [5, 6].

Other names

hsa-miR-339-5pMIR339MicroRNA 339

MicroRNA mimics restore endogenous tumor-suppressive activity by binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs, causing translational repression or mRNA degradation. MicroRNA inhibitors (antagomirs) bind to and neutralize the mature miRNA to prevent its interaction with target mRNAs.