MicroRNA-421 (miR-421)

MicroRNA-421 (miR-421) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule from the microRNA family, predominantly involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by binding the 3′ untranslated regions of target mRNAs, resulting in decreased protein production through mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation[1][2][3][4]. miR-421 is upregulated in various pathological conditions, most notably in several cancers (including non-small cell lung cancer, neuroblastoma, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, and pancreatic cancer), where it affects cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance to apoptosis[1][2][4]. It has also been shown to suppress KEAP1 and TIMP-2 and downregulate PINK1, resulting in increased mitochondrial fragmentation and apoptosis in cardiac cells and promoting neural stem cell self-renewal via the PINK1/HDAC3/FOXO3 axis[1][3]. Its circulating levels can serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis or prognosis of cancer and cardiac injury, making miR-421 both a potential therapeutic target and a diagnostic tool. However, its broad regulatory functions and involvement in essential cellular pathways necessitate caution in therapeutic applications due to potential safety challenges[2][3][4].

Other names

MIR421hsa-mir-421MIRN421

Binds to 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs and suppresses translation or leads to mRNA degradation (for example, KEAP1, PINK1, TIMP-2)[2][3][4].