MicroRNA 549a (miR-549a)

MicroRNA 549a is a member of the microRNA (miRNA) class of non-coding RNAs, which are short (~20–24 nucleotides) and regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to complementary sequences in target mRNAs, resulting in translational repression or mRNA degradation[3][5]. MIR549A undergoes canonical miRNA biogenesis involving Drosha and Dicer processing and is incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)[3][5]. It is implicated in several biological processes and diseases: in cancer, especially clear-cell renal cancer, MIR549A (both miR-549a-3p and -5p forms) reduces HIF1α protein levels by targeting its 3'-UTR, consequently affecting angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and metastasis, particularly through exosomal signaling that promotes TKI resistance[1]. In neurodegeneration, such as Huntington’s disease, MIR549A emerges as a node in networks of dysregulated miRNAs and may play a role in the pathogenesis or serve as a potential therapeutic target[2]. Currently, no drugs directly target MIR549A, and it primarily acts as a regulator within physiological and disease-associated molecular pathways rather than as a classical receptor or enzyme[1][2][3].

Other names

hsa-mir-549aMIR549AMIR549MIRN549hsa-mir-549mir-549amicroRNA 549

No approved drugs directly target miR-549a; mechanism involves miR-549a binding to 3’-UTR of target mRNA (e.g., HIF1A mRNA) to inhibit translation or promote degradation, leading to regulation of protein levels involved in disease pathways[1][2].