CCDC144NL antisense RNA 1 (CCDC144NL-AS1)

CCDC144NL antisense RNA 1 (CCDC144NL-AS1) is a cytoplasmic long non-coding RNA that functions as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), acting as a molecular sponge for multiple microRNAs including miR-490-3p and miR-143-3p. By sequestering these microRNAs, CCDC144NL-AS1 upregulates oncogenic proteins such as high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) and MAP3K7, which drive tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibit apoptosis. CCDC144NL-AS1 is overexpressed in various cancers (notably gastric cancer, osteosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer), correlates with poor prognosis, and is considered a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in oncology. Its silencing impairs malignant phenotypes and increases sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in preclinical models. Currently, there are no approved drugs directly targeting CCDC144NL-AS1.

Other names

CCDC144NL-AS1CCDC144NL antisense RNA 1LOC339260

As a drug target, proposed mechanisms involve inhibition or knockdown of CCDC144NL-AS1 to suppress proliferation, migration, and invasion and to enhance chemosensitivity. Functions as a ceRNA by sponging specific microRNAs (e.g., miR-490-3p, miR-143-3p), thereby upregulating oncogenic target genes (e.g., HMGA2, MAP3K7).