MicroRNA 520g (miR-520g)

MicroRNA 520g (miR-520g) is a short non-coding RNA that post-transcriptionally regulates gene expression by binding to the 3′ untranslated regions of mRNA targets, primarily acting as a gene silencer. It is part of the miR-520 family and is implicated in oncogenic processes, including promotion of cell proliferation, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy in several human cancers. Notably, miR-520g mediates drug resistance in colorectal and ovarian cancer by downregulating key tumor suppressors (p21/CDKN1A in colon cancer[1], DAPK2 in ovarian cancer[2]), thereby facilitating cell cycle progression and reduced apoptosis. It is upregulated in various cancers, particularly in cases associated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis. Expression levels of miR-520g may serve as both a prognostic and predictive biomarker for response to chemotherapy. In stem cell-like and primitive cancer populations, miR-520g is associated with maintenance of undifferentiated states and can regulate expression of pro-thrombotic proteins such as tissue factor (TF)[3]. As an emerging target, therapeutic modulation of miR-520g is under investigation for its potential to sensitize tumors to standard chemotherapies and inhibit cancer progression.

Other names

hsa-mir-520gMIRN520Gmir-520gMIR520G

Drug resistance via post-transcriptional suppression of tumor suppressors (p21 in colorectal cancer, DAPK2 in ovarian cancer); Promotion of proliferation and cell cycle transition (affecting expression of CDK4, CDK6, CyclinD1, c-myc); Downregulation of apoptosis mediators; Regulation of cell invasion and migration pathways