Macrophage-enriched lincRNA repressor of IFN-gamma signaling (MACORIS)

MACORIS is a human, macrophage-enriched long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) that functions as a repressor of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) signaling, specifically by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the key signaling intermediates JAK2 and STAT1 in response to IFN-γ stimulation in THP-1 macrophages. It is notable for its absence in mouse macrophages, species specificity, and its association with central obesity as revealed by human genetic studies. MACORIS appears to play a regulatory role in inflammatory gene networks and metabolic processes in macrophages, linking it to the regulation of central obesity and cardiometabolic disease. The gene is located on human chromosome 10 (10:31649410-31707699). Its centrality in modulating the activation state of macrophages suggests potential as a therapeutic target for diseases involving macrophage dysfunction, such as obesity-related inflammation and atherosclerosis, although no drugs directly targeting this lincRNA are currently known.

Other names

MacORISMacrophage-enriched obesity-associated lincRNA serving as a repressor of IFN-γ signalingMacrophage-enriched lincRNA repressor of IFN-gamma signaling

Endogenous function: MACORIS represses IFN-γ signaling in macrophages by inhibiting JAK2 and STAT1 phosphorylation in response to IFN-γ, thus attenuating downstream pro-inflammatory signaling