Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 2418 (LINC02418)

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 2418 (LINC02418) is a member of the long noncoding RNA family, specifically classified as a long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA)[1][3]. LINC02418 does not encode protein and exerts its biological function by regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, mainly through acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that sponges specific microRNAs[2][4][6]. LINC02418 is upregulated in several cancer types—including colorectal, breast, endometrial, and lung cancer—and is associated with tumor growth, cell cycle progression, inhibition of apoptosis, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis[2][4][6]. Mechanistically, it upregulates downstream oncogenic proteins such as MELK (via miR-1273g-3p) and EPHA2 (via miR-372-3p)[2][6]. Exosomal LINC02418 is a promising non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer[2]. While no drugs currently target LINC02418 directly, its modulation has shown to enhance chemosensitivity and suppress malignancy in preclinical studies[6].

Other names

LINC02418long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 2418

Drugs targeting LINC02418 would likely function by modulating its expression or interfering with its ceRNA activity, thereby affecting downstream oncogenic pathways such as MELK and EPHA2 regulation. Silencing or knockdown promotes chemosensitivity and apoptosis.