A2M antisense RNA 1 (A2M-AS1)

A2M antisense RNA 1 (A2M-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcribed from the opposite strand of the A2M gene and does not code for a protein[2][4][1]. It functions primarily as a regulator of gene expression—with context-dependent roles in various diseases. In cancer, especially breast cancer, A2M-AS1 is upregulated and promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and migration through regulating downstream molecules and acting as a molecular sponge for microRNAs such as miR-146b, which affects targets including MUC19 and Hippo signaling pathway components[2]. In cardiovascular disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction (AMI), A2M-AS1 expression is reduced in patient serum; lower levels are associated with greater disease severity and adverse events, making it a promising biomarker for AMI diagnosis and prognosis[4]. Mechanistically, A2M-AS1 is involved in modulating inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes, and may exert its cardioprotective effect through the A2M-AS1/IL1R2 axis or exosomal miR-556-5p/XIAP signaling[2][4]. There is emerging evidence it may play a role in the severity of other conditions, such as COVID-19, by influencing the expression of related genes[1]. As a non-protein coding lncRNA, A2M-AS1 is not a direct therapeutic target like a receptor or enzyme, but its expression pattern and disease associations underline its functional importance and utility as a biomarker[2][4][1].

Other names

A2M antisense RNA 1 (head to head)A2M antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)alpha-2-macroglobulin-antisense 1lncRNA A2M-AS1