MicroRNA 374a-5p (miR-374a-5p) (miR-374a-5p)

MicroRNA 374a-5p (miR-374a-5p) is a small non-coding RNA molecule that serves as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target messenger RNAs (miRBase, 2024). It is prominently recognized for its oncogenic role in various malignancies, particularly breast cancer, where it promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis by activating the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway (Cai et al., 2013, J Clin Invest). In addition to its role in oncology, miR-374a-5p is involved in the regulation of inflammatory pathways and cardiovascular health, including the modulation of cardiac hypertrophy (PubMed, 2021). While no FDA-approved drugs currently target miR-374a-5p, it is a subject of intense research using experimental oligonucleotide-based therapies such as antagomirs to inhibit its function or mimics to restore it (Nature Communications, 2018). Its stability in biofluids like serum and plasma makes it a valuable candidate for a non-invasive biomarker in cancer diagnosis and prognosis (Frontiers in Oncology, 2020).

Other names

hsa-miR-374a-5pMIR374AmiR-374aMicroRNA 374a

Post-transcriptional gene silencing via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) mediated binding to target mRNA 3' UTRs, leading to mRNA degradation or translational inhibition (miRBase, 2024).