MicroRNA-451 (miR-451)

MicroRNA-451 is a conserved, endogenous, non-coding, single-stranded small RNA (microRNA) that regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally by targeting messenger RNAs for degradation or translational inhibition[1][5][6]. The MIR451 gene is located at chromosome 17q11.2[1][4]. miR-451 is highly expressed in erythroid cells and is essential for normal erythropoiesis and late-stage red blood cell maturation[7]. It also plays a key regulatory role in diverse biological processes, including cell cycle control, apoptosis, immune response modulation, and inflammation[2][4]. miR-451 typically acts as a tumor suppressor in most cancers, suppressing proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, although it can act as an oncogene in a minority of cancer types[1][8]. It is also involved in regulating resistance to chemotherapeutic agents by modulating drug transporter proteins, such as P-glycoprotein, which influences resistance to drugs like paclitaxel[5]. miR-451’s function in immune regulation encompasses control of microglia, macrophage polarization, neutrophil chemotaxis, and T/B cell responses[2][4]. In hematologic disorders, especially β-thalassemia, plasma levels of miR-451 serve as a sensitive biomarker of intravascular hemolysis[7]. Its dysregulation is implicated in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, while its secretion via exosomes allows systemic regulation of target tissues[1][2]. Due to its disease associations and quantifiable expression changes, miR-451 is strongly considered a biomarker as well as a potential therapeutic target in cancer and inflammatory diseases[1][2][8].

Other names

miR-451amir-451 microRNA

Gene silencing via mRNA degradation or translational repression (as is typical for microRNAs); Modulation of signaling pathways, such as PI3K, mTOR, NF-κB, and AMPK; Regulation of drug transporter protein expression, e.g., P-glycoprotein