MAF BZIP transcription factor G antisense RNA 1 (MAFG-AS1)

MAFG BZIP transcription factor G antisense RNA 1 (MAFG-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on chromosome 17q25.3, transcribed antisense to the MAFG gene and typically 1895-1914 nucleotides in length. Unlike protein-coding RNAs, MAFG-AS1 acts predominantly in the cytoplasm, functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that sponges various tumor-suppressive microRNAs, thereby upregulating target oncogenes involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. MAFG-AS1 is overexpressed in a broad spectrum of malignancies and has been associated with worse clinicopathologic features and outcomes, supporting its utility as a biomarker for poor prognosis and as a potential therapeutic target. Although no drugs directly targeting MAFG-AS1 are in clinical use, it is being investigated for its roles in modulating resistance to therapies such as sorafenib in liver cancer, highlighting its translational relevance in oncology.

Other names

MAFG antisense RNA 1MAFG-AS1

Acting as a molecular sponge for microRNAs (e.g., miR-3196, miR-150-5p, miR-744-5p); Promoting the stability of oncogenic RNAs/protein expression (e.g., PTBP1, MYB); Modulating competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks to de-repress oncogenes