MicroRNA 486-1

MicroRNA 486-1 (miR-486-1) is a type of microRNA that is encoded by the MIR486 gene. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Structure and Function

miR-486-1 is located on chromosome 8p11.21 and is derived from the intronic region of the Ankyrin 1 gene. It is highly conserved across species, indicating its important biological function. miR-486-1 primarily targets the PIK3R1 gene, which encodes the regulatory subunit of Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). By downregulating PIK3R1, miR-486-1 can inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which is involved in cell survival, growth, and proliferation.

Role in Diseases

miR-486-1 has been implicated in various diseases, particularly in cancer. It is often downregulated in cancer tissues, suggesting its role as a tumor suppressor. For instance, in lung cancer, low levels of miR-486-1 have been associated with poor prognosis. Similarly, in breast cancer, miR-486-1 has been found to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and invasion by targeting PIK3R1.

In addition to cancer, miR-486-1 has also been linked to cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that miR-486-1 can protect against cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure by targeting PTEN, another regulator of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Potential Therapeutic Applications

Given its role in disease pathogenesis, miR-486-1 has potential therapeutic applications. For example, restoring the expression of miR-486-1 in cancer cells could inhibit tumor growth and progression. Similarly, modulating miR-486-1 levels could be a potential strategy for treating cardiovascular diseases.