Mammary tumor associated RNA 25 (MaTAR25)

Mammary tumor associated RNA 25 (MaTAR25) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that serves as a critical regulator of breast cancer progression and metastasis (Chang et al., 2020, Nature Communications). It was identified through transcriptomic profiling as being significantly upregulated in mammary tumors compared to normal tissue, with its human ortholog being LINC01271 (Diermeier et al., 2016, Genes & Development). MaTAR25 functions mechanistically by interacting with the DNA/RNA-binding protein Pur-alpha to promote the expression of Tensin1 (TNS1), which is essential for cell-matrix adhesion and migration (Chang et al., 2020). Elevated levels of MaTAR25 are strongly correlated with increased tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and poor clinical outcomes in patients. Because of its specific expression in tumor cells and its role in driving malignancy, MaTAR25 is considered a viable therapeutic target. Experimental interventions using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to knock down MaTAR25 have successfully demonstrated reduced tumor growth and a marked decrease in metastatic spread in vivo (Chang et al., 2020).

Other names

LINC01271Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1271MaTAR25 long non-coding RNA

Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown of lncRNA expression to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis