MIR141

MIR141 is a microRNA that in humans is encoded by the MIR141 gene. It is a small non-coding RNA molecule that functions in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.

Function

MIR141 is part of the miR-200 family, which is known for its role in inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that is crucial for embryonic development, cancer progression, and metastasis. By targeting the transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin, ZEB1 and ZEB2, miR-141 helps to maintain the epithelial phenotype and prevent EMT.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of this microRNA are associated with various types of cancers, including ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In ovarian cancer, miR-141 is significantly downregulated, and its low expression is associated with poor prognosis. In colorectal cancer, miR-141 suppresses tumor growth and metastasis by targeting the MAP4K4 gene. In hepatocellular carcinoma, miR-141 is also downregulated, and its overexpression inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis.

See also

• MicroRNA
• miR-200 family
• Epithelial to mesenchymal transition
• Ovarian cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Hepatocellular carcinoma