HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2)

HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) is a long non-coding RNA located between the HOXA3 and HOXA4 genes encoding a 1,048-bp transcript. It acts as a regulatory molecule with oncogenic properties in a variety of cancers, where it modulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition both directly (as a competitive endogenous RNA 'ceRNA' sponging microRNAs) and indirectly (via binding to epigenetic regulators such as EZH2 to silence tumor suppressor genes like LATS2). High expression of HOXA-AS2 is associated with poor prognosis in multiple tumor types, making it a promising biomarker and therapeutic target. Functional studies reveal its roles in cell cycle progression, differentiation blockade (especially in leukemia), migration, invasion, and altering immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Ongoing research is investigating its clinical utility and mechanism of action, particularly focusing on antisense and epigenetic therapeutic modalities.

Other names

HOXA-AS2HOXA3asHOXA transcript antisense RNA 2

Drug candidates (currently in preclinical study) include antisense oligonucleotides or siRNAs aimed at knocking down HOXA-AS2 expression, thereby restoring the tumor suppressor gene activity and inhibiting oncogenic pathways. Targeting its interaction with EZH2 to disrupt its epigenetic modulation function and promote expression of tumor suppressor genes like LATS2.