MEF2C antisense RNA 1 (MEF2C-AS1)

MEF2C antisense RNA 1 (MEF2C-AS1), also known as CTC-454M9.1, is a long non-coding natural antisense transcript derived from the opposite strand of the MEF2C gene. It exerts biological effects primarily by acting as a molecular sponge for specific microRNAs, most notably miR-592 in the context of cervical cancer. By sequestering miR-592, MEF2C-AS1 derepresses downstream genes such as RSPO1, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. MEF2C-AS1 is downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and its decreased expression correlates with poorer patient prognosis. There are currently no known drugs that directly target MEF2C-AS1, and it is not recognized as a classic druggable target like receptors or enzymes, but rather as a regulatory RNA molecule with biomarker and mechanistic significance in carcinogenesis.

Other names

CTC-454M9.1MEF2C-AS1

Functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), sponging miR-592 and thereby regulating the RSPO1 axis. By inhibiting miR-592, it prevents downregulation of RSPO1, influencing processes such as cell proliferation and migration in cervical cancer.