MicroRNA-548s (MIR548S)

MicroRNA-548s is a family of poorly conserved, noncoding regulatory RNAs (miRNAs) that modulate the expression of hundreds of target genes, primarily by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) and repressing translation or triggering degradation[1][2][3]. Members of the miR-548 family—including miR-548m—play critical roles in diverse cellular processes, most notably by regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, invasion, and apoptosis, particularly in cancers such as breast cancer[1]. As genetic regulators, their expression can differ substantially across tissues and disease types, where they may function either as tumor suppressors or oncogenic miRs. In breast cancer, downregulation of miR-548m correlates with increased EMT and metastatic potential, and overexpression has been shown to induce epithelial marker expression and reduce invasion[1]. Target genes such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) are directly regulated by miR-548m. Because miR-548s are regulators and not protein targets, drug strategies focus on altering their levels via oligonucleotide mimics or inhibitors, with ongoing research into their utility as therapeutic biomarkers or intervention points. Extensive family diversity and functional context-dependence complicate their use in therapy and make detailed study of individual family members crucial.

Other names

hsa-mir-548sMIR548SmiR-548m (representative member)miR-548 family

miRNA mimics: synthetic oligonucleotides that upregulate miR-548m (to induce tumor suppressor activity) Antagomirs/inhibitors: oligonucleotides that downregulate specific miR-548 family members (if they act as oncogenic miRs) Indirect targeting: pharmacologic modulation of cellular pathways influenced by miR-548s (e.g., EMT, cell migration/invasion)