microRNA 617 (miR-617)

microRNA 617 (miR-617) is a small, noncoding RNA of the microRNA family that regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally and, unusually, can also activate gene transcription by binding gene promoters. miR-617 is coded within an intron and has its own promoter region. In cancer biology, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma, miR-617 is downregulated via promoter hypermethylation. Experimentally, miR-617 upregulates the DDX27 gene by a novel promoter-interacting mechanism, suppresses cell proliferation, and promotes apoptosis. The PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway is modulated downstream of the miR-617/DDX27 axis. Advances in understanding its pathway have highlighted miR-617 and its mimics as promising therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers for cancer, though specificity and therapeutic delivery remain significant challenges.

Other names

MIR617hsa-mir-617MIRN617

Gene reactivation via promoter hypomethylation (e.g., 5-Azacytidine upregulates miR-617 by demethylating its promoter); miRNA mimic action (synthetic miRNAs can restore or modulate biological functions; for miR-617, mimics demonstrate anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in OSCC)