High mobility group AT-hook 1 pseudogene 6 (HMGA1P6)

High mobility group AT-hook 1 pseudogene 6 (HMGA1P6) is a processed pseudogene of the HMGA1 gene, located on human chromosome 13q12.12. Unlike protein-coding genes, HMGA1P6 does not produce a protein product due to a mutation in the stop codon. Instead, it is transcribed into non-coding RNA, which acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). HMGA1P6 sequesters microRNAs that would normally suppress HMGA1 and other cancer-related genes, thus increasing their expression. Overexpression of HMGA1P6 is associated with increased cell proliferation, decreased cellular senescence, and enhanced cancer progression. Upregulation of HMGA1P6 has been noted in several aggressive cancer types and correlates with poor clinical outcomes, suggesting its utility as a biomarker for diagnosis or prognosis but not as a direct therapeutic target. HMGA1P6 is not a druggable protein or typical therapeutic target (such as an enzyme, receptor, or transporter). Its biological relevance is through its RNA-mediated regulatory (epigenetic) effects. It shares high sequence homology with the HMGA1 gene, especially in regions relevant to microRNA binding. The ceRNA function of HMGA1P6 provides an indirect oncogenic effect by modulating the abundance of HMGA1 and other genes controlled by similar miRNAs. It has been proposed as a biomarker, especially in aggressive or poorly differentiated cancers. There are no known drugs directly targeting HMGA1P6 nor established mechanisms of action or safety concerns related to therapeutic intervention for this pseudogene.

Other names

HMGA1P6