MicroRNA-708 (miR-708)

MicroRNA-708 (miR-708) is a highly conserved, short non-coding RNA molecule located within the first intron of the ODZ4 gene on chromosome 11q14.1. It is widely expressed, with the highest levels in the brain and eyes. MiR-708 primarily acts as a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression by binding to complementary sequences within the 3′ untranslated regions (3′-UTRs) of target mRNAs, leading to their degradation or translational inhibition. Biologically, miR-708 plays crucial roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, including through the modulation of key oncogenic and tumor suppressive pathways. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers (such as Ewing's sarcoma, lung, colorectal, ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers), as both a tumor suppressor and, contextually, as an oncogene. MiR-708 also contributes to neural function, stress responses, and metabolic regulation, and its expression or suppression is associated with disease pathogenesis and potential utility as a prognostic biomarker[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].

Other names

hsa-mir-708MIR708MIRN708miR-708-5pmir-708 microRNAmir-708 precursor

Function as a tumor suppressor miRNA: Downregulates oncogenes or pro-survival genes by binding to the 3'-UTRs of target mRNAs, resulting in their translational repression or degradation[2][3][5]. Indirect effects on signal transduction pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR, ERK, Wnt/β-catenin) via target suppression[1][2][5].