MicroRNA-371a-3p (miR-371a-3p)

MicroRNA-371a-3p is a small, non-coding RNA molecule belonging to the miR-371-373 cluster on human chromosome 19q13.4[4]. Its main role is *post-transcriptional regulation* of gene expression, primarily through RNA silencing mechanisms. miR-371a-3p is highly expressed in embryonic stem cells and germ cells, and is notably overexpressed in malignant testicular germ cell tumors, but not in mature teratoma. Measurement of serum miR-371a-3p ("M371 test") has emerged as a highly sensitive and specific tool for diagnosing and monitoring testicular germ cell tumors, outperforming classical protein markers such as AFP and β-hCG in both sensitivity and specificity. The molecule is under investigation as a biomarker for treatment monitoring and surveillance in testicular cancer patients[1][2][3][4]. No approved drugs directly target miR-371a-3p, and it is not considered a classical therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme.

Other names

MIR371Ahsa-mir-371aMIR371MIRN371hsa-mir-371microRNA 371microRNA-371amiR-371a-3pM371