hsa-miR-23a-3p miREIA (microRNA, miRNA)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length that regulate gene translation through silencing or degradation of target mRNAs. They are involved in multiple biological processes, including differentiation and proliferation, metabolism, hemostasis, apoptosis or inflammation, and in the pathophysiology of many diseases. Numerous studies have suggested circulating miRNAs as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of many diseases.

hsa-miR-23a-3p is located in the miR-23a~27a~24-2 cluster. miR-23a-3p has been reported to be upregulated and have a promoting role in several cancer types via targeting various tumor-suppressor genes. It was also observed that up-regulated expression of miR-23a-3p inhibits apoptosis, promotes autophagy and enhances cell colony formation, migration and invasion. Several lines of evidence suggest that dysregulation of miR-23a-3p plays a role in chemoresistance in various types of cancer.

It was also reported that circulating miR-23a-3p may be involved in postoperative atrial fibrillation development. Decreasedevel of miR-23a-3p was observed in serum of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and could serve as an indicator of this syndrome.

Moreover, it has been shown that miR-23a-3p plays important roles in myogenesis of skeletal muscle, fiber type determination or exercise adaptation. Overexpression of miR-23-3p could suppress muscle atrophy both in vitro and in vivo.