microRNA 4371c (miR-4371c)

microRNA 4371c (miR-4371c) is a plant-derived non-coding RNA that has been identified as a key therapeutic component in extracellular vesicles from medicinal plants such as Sophora flavescens and Scutellaria baicalensis. It functions as a xenomiR, a cross-kingdom regulator capable of modulating gene expression in mammalian cells, particularly macrophages. When delivered via plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNVs), miR-4371c is protected from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and specifically targets inflamed tissues. Its primary biological role involves the promotion of M2 macrophage polarization, which shifts the immune microenvironment from a pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory and reparative state. This process results in the significant downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Consequently, miR-4371c has shown promise in preclinical studies for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases by reducing mucosal damage and restoring intestinal barrier function. As a therapeutic agent, it is often administered as part of a nanovesicle-based delivery system or as a synthetic mimic to harness its potent immunomodulatory effects.

Other names

gma-miR4371cmiR4371cmiR-4371c

Post-transcriptional gene silencing of pro-inflammatory mRNAs and induction of M2 macrophage polarization