Vimentin messenger RNA (VIM mRNA)

Vimentin messenger RNA (VIM mRNA) is the transcript of the VIM gene, which encodes vimentin, a type III intermediate filament protein essential for maintaining the structural integrity and mechanical resilience of mesenchymal cells [10, 14]. VIM mRNA expression is a canonical marker and driver of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process where epithelial cells lose their polarity and gain migratory and invasive properties [3, 8]. In oncology, elevated VIM mRNA levels are strongly associated with high-grade tumors, metastasis, and poor clinical outcomes in various cancers, including breast, lung, and prostate cancer [1, 13]. Beyond its role in cancer, VIM mRNA is involved in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases, inflammatory responses such as sepsis, and viral infections where it may facilitate pathogen entry [16, 17]. Therapeutic strategies targeting VIM mRNA primarily focus on silencing the transcript through RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to reduce the cellular pool of vimentin protein [4, 19]. While these approaches are currently in the preclinical stage, they represent a promising avenue for inhibiting cancer metastasis and reversing resistance to standard therapies [13, 18].

Other names

VIM mRNAVimentin transcriptVimentin mRNA transcript

Drugs targeting Vimentin mRNA typically utilize RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense-mediated degradation (RNase H) to silence the transcript, thereby preventing the translation and assembly of vimentin protein filaments.