MIF antisense RNA 1 (MIF-AS1)

MIF antisense RNA 1 (MIF-AS1) is a long non-coding antisense RNA, located on chromosome 21 or possibly 22 (some sources disagree), with emerging evidence of a critical role in regulating gene expression in cancer and inflammatory contexts[1]. MIF-AS1 acts as a molecular sponge for microRNAs such as miR-212-5p, thereby upregulating target genes like NDUFA4, which promote tumor cell proliferation and suppress apoptosis by modulating mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation[3]. Its expression is notably increased in certain cancers, including gastric cancer. MIF-AS1 exemplifies the significance of lncRNAs as regulators of key biological processes and as potential therapeutic targets, though no clinical drugs directly target it yet. The molecule is under active study as both a biomarker and a molecular target due to its influence on cellular pathways central to disease progression[1][3][5].

Other names

MIF-AS1LOC284889MIF-AS

Molecular sponge for microRNAs (miR-212-5p, miR-29a-3p) that regulate genes such as NDUFA4. Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) function, modulating mRNA stability and translation.