FEZF1 antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1-AS1)

FEZF1 antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA located on chromosome 7q31.32, transcribed from the strand opposite to the FEZF1 gene. It plays a central role in various cancers by promoting cell proliferation, invasion, migration, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and chemoresistance. Mechanistically, FEZF1-AS1 acts by interacting with chromatin modifying proteins (EZH2, LSD1), sponging micro-RNAs to regulate target gene expression (ceRNA function), and associating with mitochondrial metabolism proteins (notably PCK2). Knockdown of FEZF1-AS1 demonstrates therapeutic potential by suppressing tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Its high expression serves as a biomarker for poor prognosis in multiple cancer types. No small molecule drugs directly target FEZF1-AS1 at present; therapeutic strategies focus on antisense approaches. FEZF1-AS1 is not considered a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but rather a regulatory lncRNA with pleiotropic roles in gene expression and tumor progression.

Other names

FEZF1 antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)FEZF1-AS1FEZ family zinc finger 1 antisense RNA 1lncRNA FEZF1-AS1Long non-coding RNA FEZF1-AS1

Knockdown enhances chemosensitivity (by increasing apoptosis in cancer cells and lowering MDR protein expression) Antisense silencing inhibits proliferation and invasion Disruption of lncRNA-miRNA axis (sponging miRNAs, affecting targets such as AKT3, Nanog, FEZF1, NT5E, ZNF312B) Modulation of transcription via interaction with chromatin modifying proteins EZH2, LSD1 Regulation of energy metabolism via interaction with mitochondrial PCK2