microRNA 648 (miR-648 (or hsa-miR-648))

microRNA 648 (miR-648) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule found in humans and categorized as a microRNA. It is encoded within the first intron of the MICAL3 gene and transcribed together with this host gene under the regulation of the PAX5 transcription factor. miR-648 functions primarily by binding to complementary sequences in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, such as endothelin-1 (ET-1), leading to downregulation of target gene expression through mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation. In endothelial cells, miR-648 plays a role in the posttranscriptional regulation of ET-1, a vasoactive peptide involved in pulmonary hypertension, particularly in sickle cell anemia. Downregulation of miR-648 has been linked with increased ET-1 levels and disease progression in these contexts. Like other microRNAs, miR-648 is not a protein, receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but instead is a regulatory RNA that modulates gene expression posttranscriptionally.

Other names

hsa-mir-648MIRN648MIR648

RNA-induced silencing of target mRNAs, primarily through binding to complementary sequences in the 3′ UTR of target mRNAs, such as endothelin-1 (ET-1), leading to downregulation of target gene expression via mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation.