MicroRNA 526a-2 (MIR526A2)

MicroRNA 526a-2 (MIR526A2) is a non-coding RNA belonging to the microRNA family, which functions in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by base-pairing to the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of target messenger RNAs, leading to gene silencing or transcript degradation[1]. MIR526A2 is encoded within the human genome with the common prefix "hsa" (for Homo sapiens) and is part of the C19MC microRNA cluster, a large, primate-specific miRNA family[2]. Studies show that miR-526a-2 expression is frequently downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and that its restoration can suppress tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro; it also reduces tumor volume in mouse xenograft models[1]. The tumor suppressor effect of MIR526A2 is attributed at least partially to direct targeting of p21-activated kinase 7 (PAK7), an oncogene implicated in cancer cell survival and motility[1]. Besides cancer, miR-526a has also been associated with immune function, including possible positive regulation of type I interferon and suppression of viral infections, as well as inhibiting progression of tuberculosis[1]. There are currently no approved drugs known to act directly on MIR526A2, nor clearly defined drug mechanisms specifically targeting it. However, it has potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker in cancers—particularly in HCC where its suppression is linked to poorer clinical outcomes[1]. Safety concerns for miRNA-targeted therapies generally include the risk of broad off-target gene regulation and disruption of normal cellular pathways due to the pleiotropic nature of microRNAs.

Other names

hsa-mir-526a-2MIRN526A-2MIRN526A2miR-526a-2