LRRK1 antisense RNA 1 (LRRK1-AS1)

LRRK1 antisense RNA 1 (LRRK1-AS1) is a long noncoding RNA expressed from the antisense strand of the LRRK1 gene. It is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm and is independently regulated from its sense counterpart. In lung squamous cell carcinoma, LRRK1-AS1 drives tumor cell proliferation through pathways including DNA replication and cell cycle progression, apparently by downregulating genes in E2F and Myc signaling pathways. Mechanistic models propose that LRRK1-AS1 either stabilizes certain proteins or acts as a microRNA sponge, sequestering them and thereby lifting their repression on mRNAs of proliferative genes (such as E2F1). Its expression is inducible by epigenetic drugs, illustrating potential links to chromatin accessibility and tumor transcriptional complexity. LRRK1-AS1 is considered a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for cancers that feature cryptic antisense transcription.

Not directly targeted by drugs; functional mechanisms proposed include: Stabilization or interaction with regulatory proteins (e.g., E2F1); Acting as an RNA sponge for microRNAs, affecting mRNA stability and translation efficiency of key proliferative genes