MiR-532 as a Potential Therapeutic Target and Biomarker: Biological Functions, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical...

MicroRNA-532 (miR-532), including miR-532-3p and miR-532-5p, is an important regulator of gene expression involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. It modulates key signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin, thereby contributing to the regulation of several biological processes, including oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Dysregulation of miR-532 is associated with various diseases, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as cancer. miR-532 modulates inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death. Its role in cancer appears to be context-dependent, functioning as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogenic regulator depending on the tumor type. In addition, miR-532 has been detected in tissues and body fluids, and its altered expression has been reported in several diseases, suggesting its potential as a candidate biomarker for disease-related changes. This narrative review summarizes relevant literature identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published up to June 2026. The focus of this review is on the biological functions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic and diagnostic significance of miR-532 in human diseases. However, current findings are largely based on preclinical and observational evidence, with relatively few clinical studies available. Overall, miR-532 shows potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker, but further clinical studies are needed to confirm its clinical significance.