HOXC cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXC-AS2)

HOXC cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXC-AS2) is a long non-coding RNA transcribed antisense from the HOXC genomic locus. Unlike protein-coding genes, HOXC-AS2 regulates gene expression, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the cell cycle, especially through interactions with adjacent HOXC cluster genes such as HOXC13[4][1]. It is increasingly recognized as a disease-associated RNA, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer, where it modulates malignant cell behaviors. HOXC-AS2 functions largely through epigenetic mechanisms and antisense interactions that regulate chromatin state and transcriptional output, contributing to both normal development and disease pathology[1][3][4]. No drugs directly targeting HOXC-AS2 are identified yet, but its disease-related regulatory activity positions it as a candidate biomarker and prospective therapeutic target.

Other names

HOXC cluster antisense RNA 2 (non-protein coding)HOXC-AS2

Epigenetic regulation via binding to chromatin modifiers (by analogy to related HOX-antisense RNAs like HOTAIR; likely recruitment of Polycomb group proteins, though direct data for HOXC-AS2 is limited)[7]; Regulatory antisense interactions with HOXC13 and other HOXC cluster genes[4]; Modulation of gene expression via sense-antisense transcript pairing[1][5]