MicroRNA 493 (miR-493)

MicroRNA 493 is a small, non-coding RNA molecule in humans involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, primarily by targeting mRNAs for degradation or translational repression. It is processed from a precursor transcript via Drosha and Dicer and incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). miR-493 functions as a tumor suppressor in several tissues, and its loss or downregulation is linked to increased cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion—for example, by directly targeting oncogenes such as RhoC and FZD4 in bladder cancer cells, modulating the Wnt-PCP pathway, and promoting apoptosis in liver cancer cells. Clinically, altered miR-493 levels serve as prognostic biomarkers, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer and other carcinomas. Its role as a regulatory molecule makes it a candidate for therapeutic targeting through nucleic acid-based interventions. No small molecule drugs currently target miR-493 directly.

Other names

MIR493hsa-mir-493MIRN493mir-493microRNA-493miR-493-5p

Therapeutics targeting miR-493 would act via: miRNA-mimics (restoring tumor suppressor function); miRNA-inhibitors (antagomirs, when pathological overexpression occurs); Modulating downstream pathways regulated by miR-493, such as cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis.