ASNSD1 upstream open reading frame protein (ASDURF)

ASDURF (ASNSD1 upstream open reading frame protein) is a small alternative open reading frame-encoded microprotein expressed from the upstream open reading frame in the 5′ UTR of the ASNSD1 mRNA. Unlike its namesake asparagine synthetase, ASDURF is not an enzyme but acts as the 12th subunit of the PAQosome, an important human multiprotein chaperone involved in the biogenesis of protein complexes. Structurally, ASDURF is homologous to β-prefoldin proteins and helps assemble prefoldin-like complexes that participate in protein folding. In the context of cancer, ASDURF has been found upregulated in cMYC- and MYCN-driven medulloblastoma, where it supports cell survival by regulating cell cycle proteins via its role in the PAQosome[1][2][4][5][7]. There are no known drugs or direct therapeutic interventions currently targeting ASDURF, but its emerging role in malignancies suggests potential future relevance.

Other names

ASDURFASNSD1 upstream open reading frameASNSD1-SEPASNSD1 small open reading frame-encoded polypeptideNS3TP1HCV NS3-transactivated protein 1alternative protein ASNSD1ASNSD1 upstream reading frameAsparagine synthetase domain-containing protein 1