MicroRNA 940 (miR-940)

MicroRNA 940 (miR-940) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule located on chromosome 16p13.3, functioning as a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression by binding to the 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs. It modulates a variety of key cellular processes, including cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, EMT, and immune response, with its specific effects determined by tissue context and target genes. miR-940 has been implicated in the pathogenesis and prognosis of numerous cancers, often acting as a tumor suppressor in prostate, lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, but as an oncogene in glioma, gastric, endometrial, and cervical cancers. It targets numerous cancer-relevant genes such as MMP9, Snail, KLF9, MIEN1, PKC-δ, and others, affecting pivotal pathways like Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, PD-1, TGF-β, PI3K-Akt, and NF-κB. Circulating miR-940 has diagnostic and prognostic utility as a noninvasive biomarker in serum and exosomes. While miR-940 is not directly targeted by current pharmaceuticals, it modulates chemotherapy efficacy and represents a potential therapeutic target with challenges due to its pleiotropic, tissue-specific effects.

Other names

hsa-miR-940MIRN940MIR940mir-940hsa-mir-940

Not applicable for direct pharmacological targeting. Mechanisms described: Modulation of miR-940 levels regulates target gene expression in pathways relevant to tumor resistance/sensitivity (e.g., via PD-1, EMT, PI3K-Akt signaling, apoptosis).