MicroRNA 488 (miR-488)

MicroRNA 488 (miR-488) is a non-coding regulatory RNA belonging to the microRNA family, typically transcribed as part of longer RNA precursors and ultimately processed into a ~22-nucleotide mature miRNA[3]. miR-488 exerts post-transcriptional control over gene expression by binding to the 3'-untranslated regions of target mRNAs, leading to their translational inhibition or degradation[3]. Functionally, miR-488 acts predominantly as a tumor suppressor, with loss or downregulation observed in ovarian, lung, prostate, and gastric cancers, where it inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and modulates chemoresistance through the regulation of targets such as Six1, eIF3a, AR, and PAX6[1][4][5]. In osteoarthritis, it is downregulated in degenerative cartilage, where it normally acts to promote chondrocyte differentiation and protect cartilage by suppressing ZIP8 and indirectly inhibiting MMP-13-mediated cartilage breakdown[2]. miR-488 has also been implicated in psychiatric and endocrine diseases as per genetic association studies[3]. There are currently no approved drugs directly targeting miR-488, but its modulation can affect response to chemotherapy agents such as cisplatin and paclitaxel, making it a potential biomarker and candidate therapeutic target for further development.

Other names

hsa-mir-488MIRN488mir-488MIR488

miR-488 mimic or inhibitor can modulate sensitivity to chemotherapeutics by targeting key proteins (e.g., Six1, eIF3a, ZIP8, androgen receptor, PAX6), leading to altered cell proliferation, apoptosis, and resistance pathways[1][4][5].