MicroRNA 7 (miR-7) (miR-7)

MicroRNA 7 (miR-7) is a highly conserved, small non-coding RNA that plays a pivotal role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression (Horsham et al., 2015, Int J Biochem Cell Biol). It is primarily recognized as a potent tumor suppressor in various malignancies, including glioblastoma, breast, and lung cancers, where it targets key oncogenic pathways such as EGFR, PI3K/AKT, and Raf/MEK/ERK (Kefas et al., 2008, Cancer Res). Beyond oncology, miR-7 is essential for normal brain development and function, and its downregulation is linked to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease through the regulation of alpha-synuclein (Junn et al., 2009, PNAS). In the pancreas, it modulates insulin secretion and beta-cell proliferation, making it a target of interest for diabetes research (Latreille et al., 2014, Nat Genet). Therapeutic strategies involving miR-7 focus on the use of synthetic mimics to restore its function in cancer or antagomirs to modulate its activity in other contexts. However, clinical translation faces hurdles related to efficient delivery systems and the potential for off-target effects due to the broad spectrum of miR-7's mRNA targets.

Other names

MIR7hsa-miR-7MIR7-1MIR7-2MIR7-3MicroRNA 7-1MicroRNA 7-2MicroRNA 7-3miR-7-5p

Binds to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to induce translational repression or mRNA degradation, thereby silencing gene expression.