CALML3 antisense RNA 1 (CALML3-AS1)

CALML3 antisense RNA 1 (CALML3-AS1) is a long noncoding RNA transcribed antisense to the CALML3 gene. It is overexpressed in several cancer types, most notably cervical squamous cell carcinoma and bladder cancer, where it promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and suppresses apoptosis. Mechanistically, CALML3-AS1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging tumor-suppressive microRNAs such as miR-4316, miR-20a-5p, and miR-146a, resulting in the derepression of targets (e.g., ZBTB2, RBM38), thereby activating oncogenic pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin. In some contexts, such as papillary thyroid cancer, CALML3-AS1 may act as a tumor suppressor, highlighting its context-dependent effects. High CALML3-AS1 expression is associated with more aggressive disease and poorer prognosis in several malignancies. Due to its regulatory role in critical signaling pathways and cancer phenotypes, it is considered a promising molecular biomarker and a candidate therapeutic target, but no clinical agents are currently available that directly modulate its activity.

Other names

CALML3-AS1lncRNA CALML3-AS1

Acts as a microRNA sponge (e.g., miR-4316, miR-146a, miR-20a-5p) and modulates cancer-related signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin signaling).