microRNA 4731 (MIR4731)

microRNA 4731 is a small, non-coding RNA molecule that functions primarily in gene regulation by binding complementary sequences in target mRNAs, leading to translational repression or mRNA degradation. It is widely expressed in human tissue but found at reduced levels in several cancers, including breast cancer, melanoma, glioblastoma, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. MIR4731 exerts tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and glycolysis, often through direct targeting and suppression of oncogenes such as PAICS, SSX family, and CDK4[1][2][3][4]. Reduced expression of microRNA 4731 in tumor tissue correlates with advanced disease and poor prognosis, marking it as both a functional tumor suppressor and a candidate biomarker. Therapeutic approaches employing miR-4731 or its mimics, particularly via mesenchymal stem cell-mediated delivery, are under investigation in preclinical models but have not entered routine clinical use. Note: microRNAs are not classic receptors, enzymes, or ion channels but are recognized as drug targets and potential biomarkers in oncology. There are no approved drugs that specifically modulate microRNA 4731 function as of September 2025.

Other names

hsa-mir-4731miR-4731miR-4731-5pMIR4731

Gene silencing via post-transcriptional repression (binding to target mRNAs and either repressing translation or inducing their degradation)[1][4] - Inhibiting target oncogene expression such as PAICS (phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase, involved in metabolism and EMT in breast cancer)[1] - Downregulating cell cycle-associated oncogenes (e.g., CCNA2, ORC5L, PCNA, SSX family, CDK4 in melanoma)[4]