microRNA-651-5p (miR-651-5p)

microRNA-651-5p is a small, non-coding RNA molecule (miRNA) that functions primarily as a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression. It is processed from the MIR651 locus on the X chromosome in humans and incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), leading to inhibition or degradation of target mRNAs. Studies have identified miR-651-5p as a potential tumor suppressor that is typically downregulated in certain cancers, including lung cancer and sebaceous gland carcinoma. Overexpression of miR-651-5p inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promotes apoptosis via downregulation of targets such as ZEB2 and CALM2. Its altered expression has been associated with cancer progression, risk, and clinical outcomes, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker. However, direct drugs targeting miR-651-5p are not yet clinically available, and use of miRNA mimics or inhibitors remains experimental. In sebaceous gland carcinoma, miR-651-5p targets ZEB2 and its overexpression inhibits tumor growth, migration, and EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition). In lung cancer, miR-651-5p targets and downregulates calmodulin 2 (CALM2), reducing proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells. Expression is often reduced in tumors relative to normal tissue; restoration suppresses malignant behaviors. microRNAs such as miR-651-5p are increasingly considered therapeutic targets, especially in the field of oligonucleotide-based gene therapy, but as a non-coding RNA, this differs fundamentally from protein-based targets like receptors or enzymes.

Other names

miR-651-5phsa-miR-651-5pMIR651

miRNA mimic (restoring tumor suppressor miRNA function); miRNA inhibitor/antisense oligonucleotide (blocking endogenous miRNA activity for oncogenic miRNAs)