Nestin mRNA (NES mRNA)

Nestin (NES) is a type VI intermediate filament protein that is predominantly expressed in neural progenitor cells during central nervous system development (UniProt P48681). While its expression is typically downregulated in adult tissues, it is frequently upregulated in various malignancies, including glioblastoma, melanoma, and breast cancer, where it correlates with high tumor grade, metastasis, and poor patient survival (PubMed: 23831565). NES mRNA serves as a therapeutic target for RNA-based interventions, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which aim to silence the gene and reduce the protein's contribution to tumor cell motility and proliferation (PubMed: 21471063). In addition to its role in oncology, Nestin is involved in the structural organization of the cytoskeleton and is a marker for reactive astrocytes and neovascularization (PubMed: 15121180). Current research focuses on overcoming the challenges of delivering these RNA-based therapies to the brain and ensuring specificity to avoid affecting healthy stem cell populations. Depletion of Nestin has been shown to inhibit the invasive potential of cancer stem cells, making it a promising target for aggressive tumors (PubMed: 19147545).

Other names

NestinNESNbla00170Intermediate filament protein Nestin

RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense inhibition leading to the degradation of NES mRNA and subsequent reduction of Nestin protein expression.