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

EZR antisense RNA 1 (EZR-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA transcribed in the antisense direction at the EZR gene locus and is primarily localized in the nucleus[1][2][3][5]. EZR-AS1 serves as an epigenetic regulator of gene expression, especially by upregulating the transcription of the EZR gene—linked to cell migration and cancer progression—through direct interactions with RNA polymerase II and recruitment of the histone methyltransferase SMYD3, thereby promoting H3K4 trimethylation at the EZR promoter[1][2]. It additionally regulates key cancer-related pathways such as PI3K/AKT and TGF-β[3][5]. Elevated expression of EZR-AS1 is associated with increased proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in various cancer cells, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker for several cancer types, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma[1][3][5][4][6]. There are no approved drugs or therapeutics directly targeting EZR-AS1 at this time.

Other names

EZR-AS1EZR antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)Long non-coding RNA EZR-AS1lncRNA EZR-AS1

Acts as scaffold for chromatin modifiers (e.g., recruits SMYD3 methyltransferase to specific promoter regions); Forms complexes with RNA polymerase II to activate transcription of the EZR gene; Modulates PI3K/AKT and TGF-β signaling pathways in cancer cells[1][3][5]