OXCT1 antisense RNA 1 (OXCT1-AS1)

OXCT1 antisense RNA 1 (OXCT1-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcribed from the antisense strand of the OXCT1 gene, which encodes the mitochondrial enzyme SCOT1. OXCT1-AS1 is also known as SARRAH (SCOT1-antisense RNA regulated during aging in the heart). It is evolutionarily conserved and prominently expressed in cardiac tissue, especially cardiomyocytes, where it has been demonstrated to have anti-apoptotic effects and to promote cell survival and contractility. Mechanistically, OXCT1-AS1 can form RNA-DNA triple helices with promoters of gene targets, thereby activating gene expression, notably including the NRF2 gene. Loss of OXCT1-AS1 impairs cardiac contractile function and increases apoptosis, with its downregulation associated with aging hearts. In cancer, such as glioblastoma, OXCT1-AS1 promotes tumorigenesis by sponging microRNAs that inhibit cell proliferation. Elevated expression has been linked to poor prognosis in certain tumors, suggesting its involvement in cancer progression[2][3][4][5]. No direct pharmacological agents are currently known to specifically target OXCT1-AS1, but its role in regulating apoptosis and cell proliferation has made it a potential therapeutic target and biomarker in both cardiac disease and oncology[2][4][5].

Other names

SARRAHSCOT1-antisense RNA regulated during aging in the heartOXCT1-AS1LOC102723752OXCT1 antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)

Activates cardiac survival genes via triplex formation on gene promoters; Sponges microRNAs, releasing inhibition on pro-mitotic proteins and proliferative pathways; Regulates miR-195/CDC25A axis in glioblastoma.