MicroRNA-34a-5p (miR-34a-5p)

MicroRNA‑34a‑5p is a small non-coding RNA molecule belonging to the microRNA family. It is processed from the MIR34A gene located on chromosome 1 and functions primarily as a post-transcriptional regulator by binding to complementary sequences on target mRNAs, leading to their degradation or translational repression[3][4]. MiR‑34a‑5p acts as a tumor suppressor by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest—often through p53-dependent pathways—and is involved in regulating autophagy, cellular senescence, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and various signaling pathways such as TGF-beta/Smad[1][2][6]. Dysregulation of miR‑34a‑5p has been implicated in multiple pathological processes including cancer progression (by loss of tumor suppression), organ fibrosis (by promoting profibrogenic signaling), neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease (through altered neuronal differentiation), and joint destruction in arthritis[1][2][6]. While it represents an attractive therapeutic target due to its central regulatory roles across diverse biological systems and diseases, no approved drugs currently modulate its activity directly. Experimental approaches include antisense inhibitors or mimics designed to restore normal levels where dysregulated.

Other names

miR-34aMIR34Ahsa-miR-34amicroRNA 34a

Not applicable for conventional small molecules; antisense oligonucleotides or mimics may inhibit or restore its function.