Mohawk homeobox antisense RNA 1 (MKX-AS1)

Mohawk homeobox antisense RNA 1 (MKX-AS1) is a long non-coding antisense RNA transcribed from the MKX (Mohawk homeobox) gene locus. It is not a protein or receptor but a regulatory RNA involved in modulating the expression of the sense gene MKX, which itself plays a role in development and tissue homeostasis. Recent pharmacogenomic studies demonstrate that genetic variants and differential expression of MKX-AS1 are closely associated with response and resistance to the chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer. Importantly, high expression of MKX-AS1 correlates with poorer overall survival following oxaliplatin treatment, suggesting its utility as a potential prognostic biomarker in cancer therapy. MKX-AS1's mechanism appears to involve the regulation of MKX expression, indirectly affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis, with particular influence on pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling[2][3]. It is not considered a traditional therapeutic "target" such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but it plays a significant role as a non-coding RNA regulator relevant to pharmacogenomics and cancer precision medicine.

Other names

MKX antisense RNA 1lncRNA MKX-AS1

As a biomarker: Variation in MKX-AS1 expression/SNP genotype impacts sensitivity/resistance to oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer cell models, likely through regulation of its sense gene MKX and downstream signaling. MKX-AS1 likely acts by regulating the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level of the MKX gene, which in turn influences cellular responses to chemotherapy.