NK cell activity-associated long non-coding RNA 1 (NCAL1)

NK cell activity-associated long non-coding RNA 1 (NCAL1) is a lncRNA highly enriched in NK cells, localized mainly in the nucleus. NCAL1 enhances the cytotoxicity of NK cells against tumor cells by directly binding to the promoter region of the Gab2 scaffold protein, promoting demethylation and recruitment of the Sp1 transcription factor. This leads to increased Gab2 expression, which activates the PI3K–AKT signaling pathway, a key axis for NK cell effector functions. NCAL1 is a promising therapeutic target for boosting NK cell anti-tumor activity and improving the efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapies.

Other names

NCAL1NK cell activity-associated lncRNA 1

Epigenetic modification of the Gab2 promoter: demethylation, Sp1 transcription factor recruitment, histone modification. Activation of Gab2–PI3K–AKT axis in NK cells, promoting tumor cell killing.