MicroRNA 520b (MIR520B)

MicroRNA 520b (MIR520B) is a member of the microRNA family—short (20–24 nucleotide) non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to complimentary sequences on target mRNAs, resulting in inhibition of translation or mRNA degradation. MIR520B is transcribed as part of a primary miRNA that is processed into a stem-loop precursor and then the mature miRNA. It acts mainly within the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Functionally, MIR520B and its related family (miR-520/373) play important roles in tumor biology, especially in breast cancer, where they act as tumor suppressors by targeting components of the NF-κB and TGF-β signaling pathways (such as RELA/p65 and TGFBR2), thus regulating inflammation, cell invasion, proliferation, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment. Altered expression of miR-520b/family members has been linked to tumor progression, metastasis, and may stratify subclasses in cancer like hepatocellular carcinoma. MIR520B is being studied as a potential biomarker and as a target for miRNA-based therapeutic strategies[1][2][3].

Other names

hsa-mir-520bMIRN520BMIR520B

Gene expression modulation via RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), Translational inhibition, Targeting of NF-κB signaling by downregulation of RELA, Suppression of TGF-β signaling by direct inhibition of TGFBR2[2].