microRNA 657 (miR-657)

microRNA 657 (miR-657) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule belonging to the microRNA family, typically ~22 nucleotides in length, that functions as a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Like other microRNAs, miR-657 is transcribed as a primary transcript, then processed via the Drosha/DGCR8 and Dicer pathways, finally incorporating into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to target specific mRNAs. miR-657 has been implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma, where its upregulation promotes cell proliferation and tumor development, partly by targeting transducin-like enhancer protein 1 (TLE1) and activating the NF-κB pathway. MicroRNAs such as miR-657 are also involved in broader cellular processes, including fine-tuning gene expression, buffering transcriptional programs, and contributing to disease pathogenesis when dysregulated. Therapeutic targeting of miR-657, as with other microRNAs, poses challenges related to specificity and safety.

Other names

MIR657hsa-mir-657mir-657miRNA-657MIRN657

Binds to 3′ untranslated regions of target mRNAs, triggering mRNA degradation or translational inhibition via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)