NEXN antisense RNA 1 (NEXN-AS1)

NEXN antisense RNA 1 (NEXN-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA transcribed from a gene partially overlapping the protein-coding NEXN gene on chromosome 1. NEXN-AS1 upregulates NEXN, which encodes an actin-binding protein with roles in vascular cell function. NEXN-AS1 expression is reduced in atherosclerotic plaques, and its overexpression inhibits inflammatory responses, monocyte adhesion, and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by upregulating NEXN and interacting with chromatin remodelers such as BAZ1A. Its anti-atherosclerotic functions involve suppression of TLR4-NFκB signaling and sequestration of miR-33a/b. Genetic variants in NEXN-AS1 are associated with susceptibility to diseases such as coronary artery disease and lung cancer[1][2][3][4][6]. NEXN-AS1 is considered a non-protein-coding regulatory RNA rather than a receptor or enzyme, but it is a validated regulator with therapeutic and biomarker potential in cardiovascular disease and some cancers[1][2][3][4].

Other names

C1orf118FLJ90637NEXN antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)Putative uncharacterized protein NEXN-AS1

Upregulation of NEXN expression, Suppression of TLR4-NFκB signaling, Molecular sponge for miR-33a/b, Chromatin interaction via BAZ1A