HOXB cluster antisense RNA 3 (HOXB-AS3) (HOXB-AS3)

HOXB cluster antisense RNA 3 (HOXB-AS3) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located within the HOXB gene cluster on chromosome 17q21.32 (HGNC:51615). It functions as a critical regulator of gene expression and metabolic reprogramming in various human malignancies, most notably colorectal, lung, and gastric cancers (Huang et al., 2017, Nature Communications). HOXB-AS3 exerts its oncogenic effects by interacting with RNA-binding proteins like hnRNPA1 to regulate the alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase M (PKM), favoring the PKM2 isoform and promoting aerobic glycolysis (Huang et al., 2017). Additionally, it acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), sponging microRNAs such as miR-378a-3p to upregulate downstream oncogenic pathways (Zhang et al., 2020, Molecular Cancer). While no small molecule drugs currently target HOXB-AS3, it is being investigated as a therapeutic target using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and siRNAs, which have demonstrated the ability to suppress tumor growth in preclinical models (Li et al., 2021, J Exp Clin Cancer Res). The high expression of HOXB-AS3 in tumor tissues also makes it a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Other names

HOXB antisense RNA 3Linc-HOXB3lncRNA HOXB-AS3

Antisense oligonucleotides and siRNAs induce the degradation of the HOXB-AS3 transcript, thereby inhibiting its oncogenic functions in metabolic reprogramming and gene regulation (Huang et al., 2017; Li et al., 2021).