Vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA 3' untranslated region (VEGFA 3' UTR)

The 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) mRNA is a critical regulatory hub that controls the stability and translation of VEGFA transcripts (1.2.3, 1.2.4). Spanning approximately 1.9 kb, it contains numerous cis-acting elements, such as AU-rich elements (AREs) and CA-rich elements (CAREs), which serve as binding sites for RNA-binding proteins like HuR and hnRNP L, as well as various microRNAs including miR-297 and miR-299 (1.4.1, 1.4.5). Under conditions of hypoxia, these interactions are modulated to stabilize the mRNA and enhance VEGFA protein production, thereby driving angiogenesis in both physiological and pathological contexts (1.2.2, 1.4.5). This region has emerged as a novel therapeutic target, with small molecules like Emvododstat (PTC299) developed via phenotypic screening to selectively inhibit VEGFA expression by interfering with these post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms (1.1.1, 1.3.2). Additionally, genetic polymorphisms within the 3' UTR have been linked to disease susceptibility in conditions such as ischemic stroke and recurrent pregnancy loss (1.4.2, 1.4.4). Targeting the UTR offers a potential advantage over direct protein neutralization by allowing for more selective modulation of VEGFA levels, though challenges such as hepatotoxicity and evasive resistance remain significant concerns (1.1.1, 1.3.2).

Other names

VEGF 3' UTRVEGFA 3'-UTRVascular endothelial growth factor 3' untranslated regionVEGFA 3' untranslated region

Modulation of mRNA stability and translation through the interference of RNA-binding protein (RBP) or microRNA (miRNA) interactions with cis-regulatory elements in the 3' UTR (1.1.1, 1.4.5).