MicroRNA-323-3p with clinical potential in rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNAs,∼ 20 – 22 nucleotides in length, that repress target gene expression through mRNA degradation and translation inhibition. The gene encoding miR-323-3p, which is a biomarker in immune and inflammatory responses, exists in a miRNA cluster in chromosomal region 14q32.31. It has been shown that miR-323-3p associates with the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and ectopic pregnancy.

Areas covered: This review provides a current view on the association of miR-323-3p with several human diseases and is focused on the recent studies of miR-323-3p regulation, discussing its potential as an epigenetic biomarker and therapeutic target for these diseases. In particular, the mechanisms of miR-323-3p in these diseases and how miR-323-3p is regulated are also discussed.

Expert opinion: Although the exact role of miR-323-3p in these diseases has not been fully elucidated, targeting miR-323-3p may serve as a promising therapy strategy.

Keywords::

• biomarker
• epigenetics
• human diseases
• microRNA-323-3p
• target

Acknowledgments

The authors thank H Yao (University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA) for critical reading of this manuscript during revision. T Xu and L Li have equally contributed to this work.