Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 pseudogene 1 (AKR1B10P1)

AKR1B10P1 is a processed pseudogene of AKR1B10, transcribed as a long non-coding RNA that does not encode a protein but instead regulates gene expression at the RNA level. It is nearly undetectable in normal hepatocytes but highly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and tissues. Mechanistically, AKR1B10P1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-138, thereby stabilizing SOX4 mRNA and promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor progression. High levels of AKR1B10P1 RNA are associated with poor prognosis and increased metastasis in HCC but currently have no direct therapeutic targeting or approved drugs.

Other names

AKR1B10 pseudogene 1

Functions by acting as a molecular sponge for miR-138, which normally represses SOX4. By competitively binding miR-138, AKR1B10P1 prevents degradation of SOX4 mRNA, resulting in increased SOX4 expression and enhanced EMT and cancer cell aggressiveness