microRNA 636 (miR-636)

microRNA 636 is a human non-coding small RNA molecule located on chromosome 17q25.1[1]. As a member of the microRNA family, it regulates gene expression by binding to target mRNAs, primarily resulting in transcriptional inhibition or mRNA degradation. miR-636 acts as a tumor suppressor in ovarian and cervical cancers by reducing the expression of target genes such as Gli2, a key transcription factor in the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Its overexpression inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and induces cell cycle arrest. Reduced expression of miR-636 is found in several cancers, and it functions as a diagnostic biomarker for some malignancies and hematological conditions. The molecule also shows differential expression patterns linked to glucocorticoid resistance and myelodysplastic syndrome, highlighting its importance in therapeutic research[1][2][3].

Other names

miR-636MIR636hsa-mir-636MIRN636

Acts via post-transcriptional silencing of target mRNAs by binding to 3'-UTR regions, inhibiting translation or promoting mRNA degradation. Specifically inhibits expression of *Gli2* (a transcription factor in the Hedgehog signaling pathway), thereby blocking cell proliferation, migration, EMT, and promoting cell cycle arrest. May influence glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GR-α) levels, affecting glucocorticoid sensitivity.