NRF2 regulation-associated long non-coding RNA (NRAL)

NRF2 regulation-associated long non-coding RNA (NRAL) is a non-protein-coding transcript identified as a negative regulator of NRF2 signaling. It is located at chromosome 19q10.14 and enhances resistance to cisplatin by binding to miR-340-5p, thereby influencing NRF2 activity. NRAL plays roles in modulating chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and its function is mediated through interactions at the RNA level, typical for lncRNAs[1]. NRAL does not encode a protein and is of interest mainly as a regulatory RNA rather than a classical therapeutic drug target or receptor[1][2][4]. NRAL should not be confused with protein-coding molecules or classic "drug targets" such as receptors or enzymes. Instead, it is a regulatory non-coding RNA whose targeting is under exploration in cancer therapy due to its impact on drug resistance[1]. No current drugs are known to directly interact with NRAL itself; however, its modulation affects the efficacy of drugs like cisplatin in cancer therapy[1]. NRAL has been specifically investigated in the context of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and its role in NRF2-mediated resistance to therapy[1].

Other names

NRF2 regulation-associated lncRNANRAL

Acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), binding to miR-340-5p, which ultimately regulates NRF2-mediated pathways and chemoresistance