MicroRNA-494 (miR-494)

MicroRNA-494 is a small, non-coding RNA encoded by the MIR494 gene in humans. As a microRNA, miR-494 regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally, primarily inhibiting translation or inducing degradation of specific mRNAs. It plays diverse roles in cellular functions, impacting cell proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence, and is subject to context- and tissue-specific regulation. In cancer biology, miR-494 can function both as an oncogene and tumor suppressor by targeting signaling pathways such as PTEN/PI3K, TGF-β, WNT, and JAK-STAT, as well as by epigenetically silencing other invasion-suppressor miRNAs through DNA methylation. This dual behavior leads to its use as a prognostic or diagnostic biomarker in several malignancies, though it presents challenges for therapeutic targeting due to its pleiotropic and highly context-dependent actions.

Other names

MIR494MIRN494hsa-mir-494mir-494

MicroRNA-494 inhibits target mRNA translation and/or degradation via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). It also regulates the DNA methylation status of tumor suppressor miRNAs by inhibiting TET methylcytosine dioxygenase, and suppresses key signaling proteins via sequence-specific targeting (e.g., PTEN, IGF2BP1).