Muskelin 1 antisense RNA (MKLN1-AS)

Muskelin 1 antisense RNA (MKLN1-AS) is a cytoplasmic long non-coding RNA located on human chromosome 7q32.3, transcribed from the antisense strand of the MKLN1 gene[3]. MKLN1-AS is highly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines, with elevated levels associated with vascular invasion, poor overall survival, and reduced recurrence-free survival in patients[1][2][4]. It acts as an oncogenic regulator by promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis through interactions with specific microRNAs (notably miR-654-3p and miR-22-3p)[1][2][4]. MKLN1-AS operates through the molecular sponge (ceRNA) mechanism, modulating the levels of oncogenic proteins such as ETS1, HDGF, and YAP1 via sequestration of miRNAs. Knockdown of MKLN1-AS suppresses tumor growth and enhances sensitivity to the multi-kinase inhibitor lenvatinib, indicating its potential as a therapeutic and prognostic target in HCC[1][4]. There is currently no evidence that MKLN1-AS serves as a classical drug target outside of cancer biology, and its therapeutic application remains investigational.

Other names

MKLN1-ASMKLN1-AS2MKLN1 antisense RNA 2MKLN1 ASmuskelin 1 antisense RNA

Knockdown of MKLN1-AS enhances efficacy of lenvatinib and increases apoptosis. Acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging microRNAs and derepressing downstream oncogenes (ETS1, HDGF, YAP1).