MicroRNA 520c (miR-520c)

MicroRNA 520c is a small, non-coding RNA of 22 nucleotides, part of a large microRNA cluster on human chromosome 19. It exerts post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and displays context-dependent biological activities: acting as a tumor suppressor in some cancers (e.g., estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer) by inhibiting NF-κB and TGF-β pathways, and as an oncogene in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma, where it is upregulated and promotes malignant progression by suppressing PTEN and activating AKT/NF-κB signaling. Its expression levels are associated with disease severity and patient prognosis, indicating its value as a diagnostic and therapeutic target, although conflicting effects in different cancers highlight the complexity of miRNA biology.

Other names

hsa-mir-520cMIR520CMIRN520Chsa-mir-520c-3phsa-mir-520c-5p

Antagomir inhibition of miR-520c-3p reduces its regulatory activity, potentially restoring expression of tumor suppressors like PTEN in hepatocellular carcinoma. General approach: synthetic miRNA mimics or inhibitors modulate the activity of endogenous miRNAs.