MicroRNA 644a (MIR644A)

MicroRNA 644a (MIR644A) is a short, endogenous non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of target mRNAs, leading to mRNA degradation or translational inhibition[2]. MIR644A is transcribed by RNA polymerase II as part of longer primary transcripts and processed sequentially by Drosha and Dicer enzymes to produce a mature miRNA, which is integrated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to exert its function[2]. In hepatocellular carcinoma cells, miR-644a is downregulated compared to normal tissue, and restoration of its expression induces apoptosis by directly inhibiting Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1), a key transcription factor involved in stress response and cell survival[1]. Overexpression of miR-644a increases levels of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins (such as BID, BAD, BIM, SMAC, Apaf-1), further supporting its role in promoting cell death. miR-644a has also been described as a tumor suppressor in other cancers, including breast and esophageal cancer, where it modulates proliferation and drug resistance[1]. Overall, miR-644a is considered a potential prognostic biomarker and an experimental therapeutic target in oncology, though no approved drugs target it directly at present[1].

Other names

miR-644aMIR644MIRN644hsa-mir-644hsa-mir-644amicroRNA 644