Cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (non-protein coding) (CASC2)

Cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on chromosome 10q26 in humans. It is classified as a tumor suppressor and is involved in the regulation of cell growth, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and bone mineralization. CASC2 acts by sponging specific microRNAs, such as miR-18a-5p and miR-181a, thereby modulating downstream genes involved in cell cycle control and tumor suppression (e.g., PIAS3, RBBP8). It is downregulated in many cancers, correlating with advanced stage and poor prognosis, and has also been implicated in bone diseases such as osteosarcoma and osteoarthritis. While not yet a direct drug target, CASC2 is under investigation as a potential biomarker and future therapeutic target due to its regulatory role in both tumorigenesis and bone biology.

Other names

Cancer susceptibility 2Protein CASC2, isoform 3CASC2C10orf5Cancer susceptibility candidate gene 2 protein, isoform 3Cancer susceptibility candidate gene 2 protein isoforms 1/2C10orf5, cancer susceptibility 2 (non-protein coding)CASC2 (non-protein coding)

Acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), sequestering microRNAs such as miR-18a, miR-181a, and miR-24-3p, thereby modulating the expression of downstream tumor suppressors and oncogenes (e.g., PIAS3, RBBP8, and possibly others). Tumor suppressor activity via inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Regulates bone mineralization and extracellular matrix protein expression in osteoblasts through modulation of targets such as COMP and BSP.