FUT8 antisense RNA 1 (FUT8-AS1)

FUT8 antisense RNA 1 (FUT8-AS1) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcribed antisense to the FUT8 gene and is not translated into protein[4][5]. FUT8-AS1 is implicated in the regulation of oncogenic processes in various cancers, most notably in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), where it is upregulated and promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration, and tumor growth in animal models[1][4]. Mechanistically, FUT8-AS1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), sponging microRNAs such as miR-944 (in OSCC) and miR-145-5p (in melanoma), which affects downstream targets and signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin and NRAS/MAPK[1][4][5]. It also interacts with RNA-binding proteins such as FUS and regulates expression of transcription factors like TCF4[1]. While FUT8-AS1 affects tumor aggressiveness, it is not itself a receptor, enzyme, or classical therapeutic target, and there are no known drugs directly targeting it. Ongoing research focuses on its function as a regulatory RNA and its potential as a biomarker or indirect intervention point in cancer therapy[1][4][5].

Other names

Fucosyltransferase 8 antisense RNA 1lncRNA FUT8-AS1

Modulates cancer cell phenotype by sponging specific microRNAs (e.g., miR-944, miR-145-5p). It recruits RNA-binding proteins (e.g., FUS) and indirectly regulates transcription factors (e.g., TCF4).