microRNA-631 (miR-631)

microRNA-631 (miR-631) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule that functions as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs [1, 11]. It primarily acts as a tumor suppressor in various human malignancies, including chondrosarcoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma, where its expression is frequently downregulated [1, 2, 5]. By targeting oncogenic factors such as Apelin (APLN), E2F2, and RAB11A, miR-631 inhibits essential pathways for tumor progression, including PI3K/Akt and Wnt signaling [2, 4, 7]. Its downregulation is often associated with advanced disease stages, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy, particularly doxorubicin [1, 7]. Experimental restoration of miR-631 using synthetic mimics has been shown to suppress tumor growth and resensitize resistant cells to treatment, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target [4, 6]. Additionally, miR-631 is being investigated as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker due to its detectable levels in patient serum and tissue [15].

Other names

hsa-miR-631MIR631MIRN631microRNA 631

miR-631 mimics act by restoring the endogenous tumor-suppressive function of the microRNA, which involves binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of oncogenic mRNAs (e.g., APLN, E2F2, RAB11A) to induce their degradation or translational repression, thereby inhibiting oncogenic signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and Wnt [1, 2, 4, 7].