G-quadruplex-forming sequence-containing long non-coding RNA (GSEC)

G-quadruplex-forming sequence-containing long non-coding RNA (GSEC) is a long non-coding RNA characterized by a guanine-rich sequence capable of forming stable G-quadruplex (G4) structures. GSEC is upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and promotes cancer cell migration by binding to and inhibiting the regulatory helicase DHX36, which is responsible for unwinding G-quadruplexes in RNA. Loss of GSEC reduces cell motility, highlighting a specific role in cancer progression, particularly metastasis, via modulation of RNA secondary structure and helicase interaction. GSEC is one of a growing class of lncRNAs where G4 structural motifs act as functional regulators of protein activity and possibly gene expression[3].

Other names

FLJ39051DCPS-AS1ST3GAL4-AS1ST3GAL4 antisense RNA 1 (head to head)GSEC

Inhibits DHX36 (DEAH box polypeptide 36) RNA helicase by direct binding through its G-quadruplex structure, thereby modulating the unwinding of G-quadruplexes and affecting downstream cellular activities related to gene expression and migration[3].