Cancer susceptibility candidate 15 (CASC15)

Cancer susceptibility candidate 15 (CASC15) is a **long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)** located on chromosome 6p22.3. It is classified as a long intergenic non-coding RNA, meaning it does not encode a protein but exerts regulatory functions at the RNA level. CASC15 is implicated in the regulation of gene expression through epigenetic modification and by acting as a scaffold for chromatin-modifying complexes, such as EZH2 and WDR5, leading to the repression of genes like CDKN1A. In the cytoplasm, CASC15 can function as a competitive endogenous RNA by sponging microRNAs (e.g., miR-33a-5p), influencing the expression of genes such as ZEB1. CASC15 shows **oncogenic properties** in several cancers, including gastric cancer, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and acute myeloid leukemia, by promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance to apoptosis. High expression levels are correlated with poor prognosis and aggressive disease. CASC15's disease relevance and intracellular regulatory functions make it a potential therapeutic target and biomarker in oncology, although no direct CASC15-targeted drugs or therapeutics currently exist[1][2][3].

Other names

lnc-SOX4-1LOC105374971long non-coding RNA CASC15long intergenic non-coding RNA CASC15

Epigenetic modulation by scaffold function (recruitment of chromatin modifiers such as EZH2 and WDR5), Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) sponging of microRNAs (such as miR-33a-5p), Possible chromatin boundary regulation[1][3]