MicroRNA 561 (miR-561)

MicroRNA 561 (miR-561; hsa-mir-561) is a short non-coding RNA molecule that functions as a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on target mRNAs, leading to their translational repression or degradation[4]. It has been found to play roles in cancer-related processes—such as acting as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting c-Myc in gastric cancer, where its downregulation correlates with increased proliferation, invasion, and poor prognosis[2]. In breast cancer, miR-561-3p acts as a tumor-suppressive microRNA that can be sponged by lncRNA MALAT1, reducing its regulatory effect on the target gene TOP2A[3]. miR-561 has also been implicated in drug-induced liver toxicity, for example, by regulating nuclear receptors involved in acetaminophen (paracetamol) hepatotoxicity[1]. Its expression pattern is considered a biomarker in several tumor types, subject to complex regulation and often inversely correlated with key oncogenes or markers of tumor progression[2][3][5]. MicroRNAs like miR-561 are under investigation as both therapeutic targets and biomarkers, but direct drug modulation is not yet established due to delivery and specificity challenges.

Other names

hsa-mir-561MIRN561MIR561mir-561miR-561-3pmiR-561-5p

Not directly targeted by small-molecule drugs; acts by base-pairing with target mRNAs to inhibit translation or promote degradation