DSP antisense RNA 1 (DSP-AS1)

DSP antisense RNA 1 (DSP-AS1) is a long noncoding RNA transcribed from the antisense strand of the DSP (desmoplakin) gene locus. It acts as a scaffold to recruit the chromatin modifier TET3 to the DSP promoter via formation of R-loops, leading to demethylation and activation of DSP gene expression. In skin, especially in the context of wound healing, DSP-AS1 expression facilitates epithelial repair by enabling sustained DSP expression; its downregulation (notably seen in diabetic wounds) leads to decreased DSP, impaired re-epithelialization, and delays in wound healing. DSP-AS1 does not correspond to a receptor, enzyme, or classical drug target, but rather functions as an epigenetic regulatory lncRNA implicated in tissue repair and may have disease relevance for diabetes-related complications[1][3]. There are currently no known drugs or direct therapeutic agents that target DSP-AS1.

Other names

RP3-512B11.3ABLAPAF1-binding lncRNADSP-AS1