Long non-coding RNA 18q22.2 (lnc18q22.2)

Long non-coding RNA 18q22.2 (lnc18q22.2), also known as "liver cell viability associated lncRNA" or "LIVAR", is a liver-specific lncRNA mapped to chromosome 18 and validated as RP11-484N16.1. It shows selective high expression in liver tissue, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and its expression correlates strongly with disease severity, including grade of NASH, inflammation, and overall NAFLD activity score. Experimental knockdown in hepatocyte cell lines consistently caused significant reductions in cell growth and, in some cases, cell death, underscoring its critical role in hepatocyte viability. It has no protein-coding potential and localizes predominantly to the cytoplasm. lnc18q22.2 is under investigation for use as a non-invasive blood biomarker for liver disease and as a potential therapeutic target to prevent progression from NAFLD/NASH to fibrosis and cirrhosis

Other names

Liver cell viability associated lncRNALIVARRP11-484N16.1

Not applicable to drugs (no current drugs targeting this lncRNA are reported); knockdown studies indicate its loss leads to reduced hepatocyte growth and increased lethality, likely by modulating gene networks involved in cell viability