Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) messenger RNA 3' untranslated region (ZEB1 mRNA 3' UTR)

The Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) messenger RNA 3' untranslated region (UTR) is a critical regulatory segment of the ZEB1 transcript that controls the expression of the ZEB1 protein. ZEB1 is a master transcription factor that induces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process essential for cancer metastasis and chemoresistance (PMID: 18438432). The 3' UTR contains multiple binding sites for microRNAs, most notably the miR-200 family, which form a double-negative feedback loop with ZEB1 to regulate cell plasticity (PMID: 18438433). In many cancers, the loss of these microRNAs or the shortening of the 3' UTR leads to ZEB1 overexpression, promoting aggressive tumor phenotypes. Consequently, the ZEB1 mRNA 3' UTR is an attractive therapeutic target for RNA-based interventions, such as miRNA mimics or antisense oligonucleotides, aimed at restoring translational repression. Targeting this region seeks to inhibit the EMT program, thereby reducing metastatic potential and sensitizing tumors to conventional therapies.

Other names

TCF8 mRNA 3' UTRAREB6 mRNA 3' UTRNIL-2-A mRNA 3' UTRBZP mRNA 3' UTRZinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 3' untranslated region

Post-transcriptional gene silencing via RNA interference (miRNA mimics) or RNase H-mediated degradation (antisense oligonucleotides).