The MIR17HG gene provides instructions for making the miR-17~92 microRNA (miRNA) cluster. MiRNAs are short pieces of RNA, a chemical cousin of DNA. These molecules control gene expression by blocking protein production. The miR-17~92 cluster includes six miRNAs: miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-19b-1, miR-20a, and miR-92a-1. MiRNAs in this cluster control the expression of hundreds of genes. These miRNAs help regulate signaling pathways that direct several cellular processes involved in growth and development, including cell growth and division (proliferation), cell maturation (differentiation), and the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis). Studies suggest that the miR-17~92 cluster is necessary for normal development of the skeleton, heart, kidneys, lungs, and nervous system.~The MIR17HG gene belongs to a class of genes known as oncogenes. When mutated, oncogenes have the potential to cause normal cells to become cancerous.