MicroRNA 381 (miR-381)

MicroRNA 381 (miR-381) is a short, non-coding RNA molecule of approximately 22 nucleotides involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in human cells. It is generated as part of a longer primary transcript that is processed to form the mature miR-381, which is then incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to downregulate target mRNAs. Located at chromosome 14q32, miR-381 regulates key cellular processes such as proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), chemoresistance, and immune response. Its expression is highly tissue- and context-dependent: miR-381 often acts as a tumor suppressor in several cancers (such as breast, endometrial, colorectal, gastric, and others), but can act as an oncogene in certain contexts including glioma and osteosarcoma. Direct targets include IGF-1R (insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor), Twist1, YY1, ROCK2, CUL4B, TMEM16A, and LRH-1, each of which modulate major signaling pathways such as AKT, ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and p53. Given its central role in regulating cancer progression, drug resistance, and metastasis, miR-381 is considered both a biomarker and a potential therapeutic target, especially in oncology. Clinical exploitation of miR-381 (e.g., as a drug or target) is under investigation, with main challenges being its pleiotropic and tissue-specific effects.

Other names

hsa-mir-381MIR381MIRN381mir-381

Drugs interact indirectly by modulating miR-381 expression levels to sensitize or resist tumor cells to chemotherapy or radiotherapy