MicroRNA 520a-5p (miR-520a-5p)

MicroRNA 520a-5p (miR-520a-5p) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule that functions as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression (miRBase: MI0003125). It is primarily recognized as a tumor suppressor across various human malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and colorectal cancer (PMID: 32594301, PMID: 28656235). By binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) of specific oncogenic mRNAs, such as STAT3, RRM2, and EGFR, miR-520a-5p induces mRNA degradation or inhibits protein translation, thereby suppressing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis (PMID: 24870597, PMID: 32594301). In many clinical contexts, miR-520a-5p is significantly downregulated in tumor tissues compared to healthy counterparts, and its low expression is often correlated with poor patient prognosis (PMID: 27556198). Consequently, it is being investigated as both a diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target, with research focusing on miRNA mimics to restore its function and inhibit tumor progression (PMID: 30746346).

Other names

hsa-miR-520a-5pMIR520AMIRN520MicroRNA 520a

Post-transcriptional silencing of target mRNAs through sequence-specific binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR), leading to mRNA degradation or translational inhibition (PMID: 24870597).