Oncogenic and EMT-related mRNAs with validated miR-203a-3p response elements (miR-203a-3p targets)

This target group consists of a set of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that encode proteins involved in oncogenesis and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which are directly regulated by the microRNA miR-203a-3p (PubMed: 24510005). miR-203a-3p typically acts as a tumor suppressor by binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of these mRNAs, leading to their degradation or the inhibition of their translation (PubMed: 25483082). Key validated targets within this group include transcription factors like SNAI1, SNAI2, ZEB1, and ZEB2, as well as signaling molecules such as SRC and BMI1 (PubMed: 23139211, PubMed: 24469042). In many cancers, miR-203a-3p is downregulated, allowing for the overexpression of these oncogenic targets, which in turn promotes tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Therapeutic strategies often focus on 'miRNA replacement therapy' using synthetic miR-203a-3p mimics to restore normal regulatory control over these pathways. This approach aims to simultaneously suppress multiple nodes of the EMT and proliferative networks, making it a potent strategy against metastatic progression. Additionally, miR-203a-3p has been shown to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy by downregulating multi-drug resistance genes. The clinical application of targeting these mRNAs involves sophisticated delivery systems, such as lipid nanoparticles, to ensure the miRNA mimics reach the tumor site effectively.

Other names

miR-203a-3p target genesmiR-203a-3p regulated transcriptsMicroRNA-203a-3p targetsmiR-203a-3p regulon

Restoration of miR-203a-3p levels leads to the degradation or translational inhibition of target oncogenic and EMT-promoting mRNAs by binding to their 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs).