miR-200c studied particularly in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer metastasis.
miR-200c is a member of the miR-200 family, which includes miR-200a, miR-200b, and miR-200c. These miRNAs are known to play a crucial role in maintaining epithelial cell identity and suppressing EMT, a process by which epithelial cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype and become more migratory and invasive.
miR-200c has been shown to target several genes involved in EMT and cancer progression, including:
ZEB1 and ZEB2, transcription factors that promote EMT and cancer metastasis.
TGF-β, a cytokine that promotes EMT and cancer progression.
Vimentin, a protein that is highly expressed in mesenchymal cells and is associated with cancer metastasis.
The overexpression of miR-200c has been shown to inhibit EMT and cancer metastasis in various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and ovarian cancer. Conversely, the downregulation of miR-200c has been associated with cancer progression and poor prognosis.