Leukemia-induced non-coding activator RNA 1 (LUNAR1)

Leukemia-induced non-coding activator RNA 1 (LUNAR1) is a NOTCH-regulated, oncogenic long non-coding RNA located on chromosome 15q26.3 and highly expressed in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). LUNAR1 operates as a cis-acting enhancer RNA, promoting transcription of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) gene by recruiting the mediator complex to its promoter, thereby sustaining IGF1 signaling crucial for leukemic cell proliferation. Suppression of LUNAR1 expression (by RNA interference or antisense oligonucleotides) reduces IGF1R levels and impairs leukemia cell growth, demonstrating its essential role in tumor maintenance and its potential as a therapeutic target. Recent studies suggest similar oncogenic functions in other cancers, such as colorectal cancer, where LUNAR1 expression correlates with tumor aggressiveness and invasion. LUNAR1 is being investigated as a biomarker for prognosis and as a candidate for RNA-targeted therapies, though challenges remain in specificity and delivery.

Other names

Leukemia-associated non-coding IGF1R activator RNA 1Leukemia-induced non-coding activator RNALUNAR1

Gene silencing by ASOs, leading to degradation of the LUNAR1 transcript and subsequent downregulation of IGF1R; RNA interference (shRNAs), reducing LUNAR1 levels and impairing leukemia cell proliferation.