Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 2042 (LINC02042)

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 2042 (LINC02042) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), specifically a long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA), that is over 200 nucleotides in length and does not code for a protein[5][1]. LINC02042 is markedly overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tumor tissues, ESCC cell lines, and patient plasma, compared to normal controls[2][3]. Mechanistically, LINC02042 acts as a molecular scaffold in the cytoplasm, directly binding to the RNA-binding protein YBX1, and recruiting it to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of c-Myc mRNA; this stabilizes c-Myc mRNA and increases c-Myc expression, a key oncogene frequently upregulated in tumors[2][3]. There is a positive feedback loop where c-Myc can also bind to the promoter of LINC02042, further amplifying its own signaling axis[2][3]. Functionally, LINC02042 promotes tumor cell growth, invasion, metastasis, and overall tumor aggressiveness in ESCC models, and plasma levels of LINC02042 serve as a sensitive and specific non-invasive biomarker for ESCC diagnosis and prognosis, with high levels predicting shorter survival[2][3]. It is currently being researched as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for patient stratification in ESCC, but no specific drugs or safety concerns have been reported[2][3].

Other names

LINC02042linc02042