ADIRF antisense RNA 1 (ADIRF-AS1)

ADIRF antisense RNA 1 (ADIRF-AS1) is a long noncoding RNA transcribed from the antisense strand of the adipogenesis regulatory factor (ADIRF) gene[2][1]. It primarily acts as a regulator of gene expression through two main mechanisms: by functioning as a chromatin-associated lncRNA influencing circadian and oncogenic gene sets, and by serving as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that sponges microRNAs such as miR-761, thereby upregulating targets like insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)[2][4]. ADIRF-AS1 is frequently overexpressed in osteosarcoma and correlates with poorer patient survival, where its silencing leads to reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis[4]. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), it binds the PBAF chromatin complex and drives tumorigenesis in a BMAL1-CLOCK-regulated manner[2]. While not currently targeted by any approved therapeutics, its central role in gene regulation and cancer progression makes it a promising future target for RNA-based or gene-editing therapies.

Other names

ADIRF-AS1Adipogenesis regulatory factor antisense RNA 1NONHSAG006424.2 (alias in RNAcentral database)

As a drug target, theorized mechanisms include: Blocking its ceRNA function to relieve suppression of miR-761, restoring anti-tumor effects in osteosarcoma; Inhibiting chromatin interactions to disrupt oncogenic transcriptional programs in renal cell carcinoma.