EPB41L4A antisense RNA 1 (EPB41L4A-AS1)

EPB41L4A antisense RNA 1 is a long non-coding RNA located on chromosome 5q22.2, overlapping with the gene EPB41L4A. It is notable for both its lncRNA function and for encoding a small mitochondrial membrane peptide, TIGA1. EPB41L4A-AS1 regulates cell metabolism, particularly influencing the Warburg effect in rapidly proliferating cells by modulating HIF-1α and VDAC1 expression. Overexpression can suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis, while its downregulation is linked to enhanced proliferation and glycolysis in cancer cells. EPB41L4A-AS1 also acts in cis to activate its neighboring gene EPB41L4A, maintains genomic boundary integrity, and interacts with transcriptional regulators like SUB1. It is regulated by p53 and PGC-1α, and may play complex roles in diseases such as cancer and recurrent miscarriage. Though not currently a direct drug target, alterations in its expression/function make it a promising biomarker and potential future therapeutic target.

Other names

TIGA1transcript induced by growth arrest 1lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1

Epigenetic modulation via histone methylation and chromatin interactions; Regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis through modulating HIF-1α and VDAC1 expression; Modulation of surrounding gene expression through cis-acting transcriptional mechanisms