MicroRNA-92a: The Administrator of Certain Diseases

Abstract

MicroRNA-92a (miR-92a) is an evolutionarily conserved noncoding small RNA that can regulate gene expression after transcription. Previous studies have found that miR-92a is overexpressed in many tumors and can regulate numerous tumor suppressor genes negatively, with relevant effects on the development of different tumors, by regulating the DUSP10/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphatase and tensin homologs (PTEN)/AKT, Wnt and EP4/Notch1 signaling axes. MiR-92a also promotes the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through the Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming kinase/myosin light chain kinase signaling pathway and inhibits VSMC apoptosis through the MKK4/JNK signaling pathway. Moreover, miR-92a affects endothelial functions; mediates endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney diseases; mediates THBS1 inhibition; promotes the migration, proliferation and angiogenesis of neighboring endothelial cells (ECs); mediates the Nrf2/KEAP1/ARE signaling pathway to regulate vascular endothelial aging; and is involved in immune responses to activate ECs. This review summarizes the potential role and pathogenic mechanism of the miR-92a gene in certain diseases to provide possible new treatment options.