microRNA 451a (miR-451a)

microRNA 451a (miR-451a) is a highly conserved, short (~22 nucleotide) non-coding RNA belonging to the microRNA family, encoded by the MIR451A gene on human chromosome 17. Unlike canonical microRNAs, miR-451a undergoes an unusual biogenesis pathway that is Dicer-independent and instead is processed directly by Ago2 from its precursor hairpin[1][3][2]. It plays major roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, serving critical biological functions in erythropoiesis, hematopoietic differentiation, immune modulation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis[1][5]. miR-451a is extensively studied as a tumor suppressor in diverse malignancies, although it can function as an oncogene in certain contexts such as renal cell carcinoma, depending on the tissue and target gene landscape[4][6]. It is emerging as a promising therapeutic target and biomarker in cancer and immune diseases, but challenges remain regarding off-target effects and tissue-specific activity[4][5][6].

Other names

MIR451Ahsa-mir-451amiR-451MIR451MIRN451hsa-mir-451mir-451amicroRNA 451

Modulation of miR-451a expression (via mimics or inhibitors) alters gene expression post-transcriptionally, affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis, drug resistance, and tumorigenesis[4][2][6].