Functions of miR126 and innate immune response.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by base pairing with target mRNAs. Many miRNAs have been proven to regulate a broad range of processes, including proliferation, differentiation, development and apoptosis. miR126 is encoded by intron 7 of the EGF- like domain 7 (Egfl7) gene and highly expressed in human endothelial cells (ECs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Based on the current knowledge, miR126 is involved in angiogenesis and cancer. Also miR126 is the first miRNA which has been reported to involve in preconditioning the responsiveness of the host to pathogen infection in the steady state. This implicated that miR126 may be the potential therapeutic target for cancer and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the functions of miR126 in angiogenesis and cancer, and emphasize its relationship with innate immune response.