hsa-miR-223-3p 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 pathophysiology of many diseases. Numerous studies have suggested circulating miRNAs as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of many diseases.

miR-223-3p is a hematopoietic-specific microRNA with crucial functions in myeloid lineage development. It plays an essential role in promoting granulocytic differentiation while also being associated with suppression of erythrocyte differentiation. Changes in expression of miR-223-3p is associated with macrophage apoptosis. miR-223-3p has been reported to have opposite functions in different types of cancer. It functions as an oncomiR in some cancer types, whereas in other types of malignances, it acts as a tumor suppressor. miR-223-3p is also associated with rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, type 2 diabetes and hepatic ischemia.

It was reported that circulating miR-223-3p levels may predict cardiovascular death over a four-year period in symptomatic coronary artery disease patients. miR-223-3p was also identified as one of the most upregulated microRNAs in peripheral blood of patients with active tuberculosis.