HOXA distal transcript antisense RNA (HOTTIP)

HOTTIP is a 3,764-nucleotide long non-coding RNA transcribed from the 5' tip of the HOXA gene cluster[1]. This spliced and polyadenylated lincRNA coordinates the activation of several 5' HOXA genes through chromosomal looping that brings HOTTIP into close proximity to its target genes[1]. The RNA directly binds the adaptor protein WDR5 and targets WDR5/MLL complexes across the HOXA locus, driving histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation and gene transcription[1]. HOTTIP exhibits bivalent H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 histone modifications and is expressed in distal and posterior anatomical sites[1]. The RNA is essential for maintaining active chromatin states and coordinating long-range gene activation, with knockdown experiments showing it is necessary for proper expression of distal HOXA genes and normal limb development[1]. HOTTIP is upregulated in various tumors and implicated in promoting cell proliferation, making it relevant to cancer biology[3].

Other names

HOXA-AS6HOXA13-AS1HOXA cluster antisense RNA 6HOXA transcript at the distal tipHOXA13 antisense RNA 1NCRNA00213RP1-170O19.3