Dlx4 opposite strand long non-coding RNA (Dlx4os)

Dlx4os (Dlx4 opposite strand) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that serves as a critical regulator of phenotypic plasticity and malignant transformation in cutaneous melanoma (Ayub et al., 2026). It is transcribed from the antisense strand of the Dlx4 homeobox gene and functions primarily through the cis-regulation of neighboring protein-coding genes and the modulation of key transcription factors such as Sox10 and Mitf (Ayub et al., 2026; Azevedo et al., 2020). High expression of Dlx4os is associated with an undifferentiated, mesenchymal-like cellular state, which promotes tumor heterogeneity, invasive potential, and resistance to conventional therapies (Ayub et al., 2026). The transcript is localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, where it influences the expression of markers like Tgfβ and Mlana (Ayub et al., 2026). Experimental studies have demonstrated that the knockdown of Dlx4os using siRNAs or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can redirect melanoma cells toward a more differentiated and less aggressive phenotype, effectively delaying tumor progression in vivo (Ayub et al., 2026). Given its specific role in driving melanoma progression and its potential human orthologue, Dlx4os is being investigated as both a diagnostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for RNA-based interventions (Ayub et al., 2026).

Other names

A730090H04RikDlx4asDlx4 opposite strandDlx4os long non-coding RNA transcript

Modulation of melanoma phenotypic plasticity by regulating the expression of differentiation markers and neighboring genes to favor a less malignant, more differentiated state.