microRNA 621 (miR-621)

microRNA 621 (miR-621) is a human non-coding RNA molecule of approximately 22 nucleotides that post-transcriptionally regulates gene expression, primarily by binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, leading to their degradation or translational repression. It has been implicated in various cancers, including bladder, breast, and gastric cancer, where it functions as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell growth, metastasis, and promoting apoptosis. miR-621 can directly target transcripts such as TRIM29 and FBXO11, affecting key oncogenic pathways (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin, p53-mediated apoptosis). High expression of miR-621 has been associated with increased sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel and carboplatin in breast cancer, and its level may serve as a predictive biomarker for treatment response. As with other microRNAs, modulating miR-621 yields broad effects due to its ability to regulate multiple genes, which is both a therapeutic opportunity and a safety concern for drug development[2][4][5].

Other names

hsa-mir-621MIRN621MIR621miR-621

Sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy (PTX, CBP) by promoting apoptosis through downregulation of FBXO11 and enhancement of p53 transactivity, leading to increased expression of apoptotic genes such as PUMA and DR5. Suppresses oncogenic pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin by direct targeting of TRIM29.