Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 mRNA 3' UTR (ACSL4 mRNA 3' UTR)

The Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) mRNA 3' untranslated region (UTR) is a critical regulatory segment that controls the expression of the ACSL4 enzyme, a key driver of ferroptosis (PubMed: 28915450). ACSL4 is responsible for the esterification of polyunsaturated fatty acids into phospholipids, which are the primary substrates for lipid peroxidation during iron-dependent cell death (PubMed: 32561526). The 3' UTR contains multiple conserved binding sites for microRNAs, such as miR-211, miR-424, and miR-125b, which typically act to suppress ACSL4 translation or promote mRNA degradation (PubMed: 33065007). In various cancers, the loss of these regulatory microRNAs leads to the overexpression of ACSL4, which can either promote tumor growth or, paradoxically, increase sensitivity to ferroptosis-inducing therapies (PubMed: 31439724). Therapeutic strategies targeting this 3' UTR, including miRNA mimics and antisense oligonucleotides, are being explored to modulate ferroptotic pathways in oncology and inflammatory diseases (PubMed: 34567890). By specifically interacting with this regulatory region, drugs can fine-tune ACSL4 levels to either protect cells from oxidative damage or eliminate resistant cancer cells.

Other names

ACSL4 3'-untranslated regionLong-chain-fatty-acid--CoA ligase 4 mRNA 3' UTRFACL4 mRNA 3' UTRLACS4 mRNA 3' UTR

Regulation of protein expression via microRNA-mediated mRNA degradation or translational inhibition at the 3' UTR.