Neuroblastoma associated transcript 1 (NBAT1)

Neuroblastoma associated transcript 1 (NBAT1) is a long noncoding RNA located at chromosome 6p22.3, discovered in studies on neuroblastoma risk. NBAT1 acts primarily as a tumor suppressor by epigenetically silencing oncogenic pathways through interaction with Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2/EZH2), and by affecting transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing, including microRNA sponging (e.g., miR-21, miR-346) and chromatin modification. Its downregulation increases cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and impairs differentiation, contributing to tumor aggressiveness in multiple cancer types. NBAT1 is a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, especially in neuroblastoma, but remains primarily a research tool and therapeutic target in preclinical studies.

Other names

NBAT-1Neuroblastoma associated transcript-1CASC14

Mechanisms investigated in preclinical studies include: Epigenetic silencing of oncogenic pathways via scaffold function with Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2/EZH2); Regulatory interactions with microRNAs (miR-21, miR-346, miR-4504, etc.); Modulation of cell signaling (PI3K/Akt, EMT, RAC1, etc.). While no approved drugs directly target NBAT1, MYCN inhibitors like JQ1 interact with NBAT1 downstream pathways.