Mir146, also known as microRNA 146, is a non-coding RNA that plays a significant role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. It is involved in various biological processes, such as immune response, inflammation, and cell differentiation. It has been associated with the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is crucial in inflammation and immune regulation [5,6,7]. In the context of disease, Mir146 has implications in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and spermatogenesis [1,2,3,5,6,8].

In mouse models, Mir146 has been shown to modulate spermatogonial differentiation. In undifferentiated spermatogonia, Mir146 levels are high, and its overexpression reduces the levels of mediator complex subunit 1 (Med1) and the differentiation marker Kit. When undifferentiated spermatogonia are exposed to retinoic acid (RA), Mir146 is downregulated, and Kit is upregulated. Overexpressing Mir146 in RA-treated spermatogonia inhibits Kit upregulation, indicating that Mir146 modulates the effects of RA on spermatogonial differentiation [3]. In microglia, Presenilin 2 (PS2) knockout (KO) mice show constitutively down-regulated Mir146. PS2 KO microglia express higher levels of the Mir146 target protein interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 and have increased NFκB transcriptional activity, suggesting that PS2 impacts microglial responses through modulation of Mir146a [5].

In conclusion, Mir146 is a key regulator in multiple biological processes. Mouse KO models have revealed its role in spermatogonial differentiation and microglial inflammatory responses. These findings have implications for understanding diseases related to spermatogenesis disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, its potential as a biomarker in prostate cancer and its role in modulating inflammation in cardiovascular diseases further highlight its importance in disease research [1,2,4,6].