MicroRNA 938 (MIR938)

MicroRNA 938 (MIR938) is a non-coding RNA gene that encodes a mature microRNA molecule involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression[1]. MIR938 is transcribed and processed into a short RNA (about 20–24 nucleotides) that associates with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), guiding the complex to target mRNAs by sequence complementarity, usually resulting in translational repression or degradation of target mRNAs[1][2]. MIR938 regulates genes including SMAD3 (a TGF-β pathway effector[2]) and RBM5 (a tumor suppressor implicated in lung adenocarcinoma[7]), and may also target immune-related cytokines such as IL-16 and IL-17A[3]. Disease associations include primary ovarian insufficiency[1], several types of cancer (e.g., lung, gastric, pituitary)[2][5][7], and potentially modulation of immune response in type 1 diabetes risk[3]. A common genetic variant in MIR938 (rs12416605:C>T) is linked to altered cancer susceptibility and MIR938 expression levels[5]. Although no specific drugs are known to target MIR938 directly, its modulation is theoretically relevant in oncology and immune diseases as a therapeutic strategy or biomarker. As with all microRNAs, therapeutic targeting is complex due to widespread and context-dependent gene regulatory effects[4][8].

Other names

hsa-mir-938MIRN938MIR938

Gene silencing via mRNA degradation, Translational repression, Modulation of target gene expression (e.g., SMAD3, RBM5, IL-16, IL-17A)