Down syndrome critical region 8 (non-protein-coding RNA) (DSCR8)

Down syndrome critical region 8 (DSCR8) is a **long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)** located on chromosome 21q22.13, often mentioned in cancer – particularly gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, uterine cancer, and melanoma[1]. DSCR8 acts primarily as a **competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-137**, regulating the expression of Cdc42, a gene involved in cell cycle progression and invasion[1]. Elevated DSCR8 expression has been correlated with enhanced tumor proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle progression, as well as with reduced apoptosis in tumor cells. Silencing DSCR8 inhibits these oncogenic traits both in vitro and in vivo (mouse xenograft models)[1]. DSCR8 is not a protein, receptor, enzyme, or classic therapeutic target, but its pattern of expression and regulatory function make it a candidate biomarker or, in the future, a potential target for therapeutic intervention in some cancers. There is no evidence of direct involvement in Down syndrome; rather, its chromosomal location is within the broader Down syndrome critical region[2].

Other names

Down syndrome critical region protein 8DSCR8C21orf65MTAG2CT25MMA-1CT25.1aCT25.1bMMA-1aMMA-1bCancer/testis antigen 25DCR1-24.0Malignant melanoma-associated protein 1Protein MTAG2Cancer/testis antigen family 25, member 1aCancer/testis antigen family 25, member 1bMalignant melanoma-associated 1Melanoma-testis-associated protein 2

Acts as a molecular sponge for miR-137, reducing its inhibitory effect on Cdc42 and promoting cell proliferation and invasion (no current approved drugs specifically act on DSCR8)[1]