Myeloid zinc finger 1 antisense RNA 1 (MZF1-AS1)

MZF1 antisense RNA 1 (MZF1-AS1) is a **long non-coding RNA** (lncRNA) transcribed from the antisense strand of the myeloid zinc finger 1 gene locus. It is also known as CENPBD1P1 and related pseudogene designations. MZF1-AS1 acts as a regulatory lncRNA involved in **tumor cell metabolic reprogramming**, particularly by promoting proline synthesis and facilitating tumor progression. Mechanistically, MZF1-AS1 binds to **poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)**, enhancing PARP1’s interaction with the transcription factor **E2F1**. This promotes the transactivation of oncogenic genes involved in cell proliferation, including MZF1 itself, contributing to tumor growth and poor clinical outcomes. High expression of MZF1-AS1 is consistently associated with **worse prognosis in neuroblastoma**, and possibly in other tumors, making it a potential biomarker and **therapeutic target** for cancer intervention. Preclinical inhibition of MZF1-AS1, either by blocking its protein interactions or by RNA interference, leads to reduced proline synthesis and decreased tumor growth[1][2]. No drugs targeting MZF1-AS1 have reached clinical development.

Other names

CENPBD1P1CENPB DNA-binding domains containing 1 pseudogene 1CENPBD1 pseudogene 1CENPBD2PMZF1-AS1

Inhibition of MZF1-AS1 (e.g., by shRNA or peptides that block its interaction with PARP1) downregulates proline synthesis and reduces neuroblastoma cell growth and aggressiveness, functioning by interfering with the MZF1-AS1/PARP1/E2F1 axis[1][2].