Symbol miR-150 Rfam RF00767 miRBase family MIPF0000197 | Alt. Symbols MIR150 miRBase MI0000479 Entrez 406942 | |
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miR-150 is a family of microRNA precursors found in mammals, including humans. The ~22 nucleotide mature miRNA sequence is excised from the precursor hairpin by the enzyme Dicer. This sequence then associates with RISC which effects RNA interference.
Contents
miR-150 functions in hematopoiesis; it regulates genes whose downstream products encourage differentiating stem cells towards becoming megakaryocytes rather than erythrocytes. It is also thought to control B and T cell differentiation, alongside mir-155.
Expression
The expression pattern of miR-150 varies during the differentiation of a hematopoietic stem cell lineage. Highest expression levels occur in mature, resting B and T cells but miR-150 is downregulated in their progenitor cells, including Th1 and Th2 cells.
Role in cancer
miR-150 has been linked with a number of cancers. It is thought to promote cancer cell proliferation in gastric cancer and has also been found to be more than 50x overexpressed in osteosarcoma. The expression of miR-150 was shown to regulate levels of GAB1 and FOXP1 proteins in malignant and normal B cells, and this influences their BCR signalling
Applications
miR-150 levels in blood plasma can be indicative of early sepsis; it could have a future use therapeutically in treating the condition. In addition, miR-150 is one of a number of microRNAs whose expression profile could be used as a biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma.