[The Role and Molecular Mechanism of Mir-494 in Disease Development and Progression].

MicroRNA-494 (miR-494) is a small non-coding RNA located in chromosome 14q32.31 and regulates post-transcriptional gene expression by promoting the degradation of its target mRNAs via binding to the 3' untranslated regions (3'UTR). It has been reported that miR-494 plays an important role in the occurrence, development and prognosis of various diseases. Several signaling pathways modulated by miR-494 including the PTEN/PI3K/AKT, nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD, and Wnt/β-catenin are associated with physiological regulation and pathological process in many diseases. The stably expression of miR-494 in the blood stream suggests its potential as a biological marker for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Based on recent research, we summarize the role and molecular mechanism of miR-494 in disease development and progression. We also discuss its potential as a marker for clinical diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases.