MAPT antisense RNA 1 (MAPT-AS1)

MAPT antisense RNA 1 (MAPT-AS1) is a natural antisense transcript (NAT) and long non-coding RNA expressed from the MAPT gene locus, which encodes microtubule-associated protein Tau. MAPT-AS1 is present in human neuronal tissues, including the brain, and has been investigated for its ability to modulate MAPT gene expression via epigenetic mechanisms such as promoter activity and DNA methylation. Initial studies suggested that MAPT-AS1 may repress MAPT expression and impact alternative splicing through regulation of promoter methylation and activity. However, more recent studies using multiple cell models, including human neurons, report that modulation of MAPT-AS1 levels does not alter MAPT mRNA or Tau protein expression, challenging its functional significance as a therapeutic target for tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease. There is some evidence of a role as a disease biomarker in neurodegenerative conditions and potential relevance in cancer biology, but its clinical utility remains unproven. MAPT-AS1 remains mainly a subject of basic and mechanistic research.

Other names

MAPT-ASMAPT antisense transcript 1MAPT natural antisense transcript

For experimental ASOs/siRNAs, the intended mechanism is knockdown of MAPT-AS1 transcript to modulate MAPT gene expression; however, recent studies report no consistent effect on MAPT mRNA or Tau protein in human neuronal models.