DACT3 antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding) (DACT3-AS1)

DACT3 antisense RNA 1 (DACT3-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA transcribed antisense to the DACT3 locus, often found downregulated in mature spermatids and upregulated in diverse tumor contexts, including gastric and hepatocellular carcinoma[1][4]. DACT3-AS1 has emerging roles in cancer progression: in gastric cancer it acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) sponging miR-181a-5p, leading to increased SIRT1 and suppression of malignant cell phenotypes; in hepatocellular carcinoma, hypoxia induces DACT3-AS1 expression through HIF-1α, promoting metastasis by modulating the HDAC2/FOXA3/PKM2 pathway[3][4]. The molecule's functions extend to regulation of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance, and involve epigenetic control potentially linked to its proximity to the DACT3 gene, known for negative regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. DACT3-AS1 is thus considered both a candidate biomarker and a potential therapeutic target, though no direct drugs currently target it[1][3][4].

Other names

Dishevelled-binding antagonist of beta-catenin 3-antisense RNA 1DACT3-AS1DACT3 antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)

Functions as a molecular sponge for specific microRNAs (notably miR-181a-5p), thereby indirectly regulating downstream targets such as SIRT1; May regulate gene expression via modulation of transcription factors (e.g., inhibits FOXA3 protein by promoting deacetylation through interaction with HDAC2, resulting in PKM2 upregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells)