Nexilin F-actin–binding protein antisense RNA 1 (NEXN-AS1)

Nexilin F-actin–binding protein antisense RNA 1 (NEXN-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA transcribed antisense to the NEXN gene, which encodes the protein nexilin, involved in actin cytoskeleton architecture and cardiovascular function. NEXN-AS1 modulates the expression of NEXN by interacting with chromatin remodeling complexes (notably BAZ1A) at the NEXN locus, increasing NEXN expression and thereby performing an anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic role in vascular endothelium[2]. Experimental data show that NEXN-AS1 is decreased in the serum of patients with atherosclerosis and carotid artery stenosis, correlating negatively with disease severity, and suggest its promise as a diagnostic biomarker in cardiovascular disease[4]. Low NEXN-AS1 levels are associated with increased inflammatory signaling (via NF-κB, TLR4 pathways), greater monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, and more severe atherosclerotic lesions[2][4]. Genome-wide analyses indicate NEXN-AS1 is also associated with lung cancer risk, though details remain under-explored[3]. There are currently no approved drugs that directly target NEXN-AS1, and its specificity and safety remain to be established for future therapeutic applications[2][3][4].

Other names

NEXN antisense RNA 1NEXN-AS1lncRNA NEXN-AS1

Not applicable; there are no known therapeutics directly targeting NEXN-AS1