microRNA 8072 (miR-8072)

MicroRNA 8072 (miR-8072) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule that modulates gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to complementary sequences in target mRNAs, usually resulting in mRNA degradation or translation inhibition. Recent research has identified a tumor-suppressive function for miR-8072 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where overexpression of miR-8072 significantly inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and EMT. Mechanistically, miR-8072 acts by downregulating TFAP2A, a transcription factor that stimulates SNAI1, a central driver of EMT and metastasis. As a result, miR-8072 restores epithelial characteristics (e.g., increases in E-cadherin, decreases in N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB1), represses AKT/ERK pathway activation, and ultimately suppresses tumor growth and dissemination. This regulatory axis positions miR-8072 as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for aggressive breast cancers, although drug development and clinical application remain in the preclinical stage. miRNA-based targeting requires careful consideration of delivery, selectivity, and off-target actions due to the numerous pathways affected by individual miRNAs.

Other names

MIR8072hsa-mir-8072microRNA mir-8072

Antisense oligonucleotides or mimics could restore or inhibit miR-8072 activity to suppress TNBC progression by downregulating TFAP2A and SNAI1, thereby inhibiting EMT and proliferation