Paternally expressed 10 (PEG10) mRNA (PEG10)

Paternally expressed 10 (PEG10) is a retrotransposon-derived imprinted gene that plays a critical role in mammalian placental development and cell growth regulation. It encodes a protein with structural similarities to retroviral Gag and Pol proteins, including a functional protease domain and a programmed -1 ribosomal frameshift mechanism. In healthy tissues, its expression is largely restricted to the placenta and certain embryonic stages, but it is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, and bladder cancer. As an oncogene, PEG10 promotes cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to apoptosis, often by suppressing tumor suppressors like p21. Beyond cancer, PEG10 is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Angelman syndrome, where its protein levels or localization are dysregulated. Therapeutic targeting of PEG10 mRNA using siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) has shown promise in preclinical models for inhibiting tumor growth and restoring drug sensitivity. Additionally, the unique ability of PEG10 to package its own mRNA into virus-like particles is being harnessed for the development of novel, endogenous RNA delivery systems known as SEND.

Other names

EDRHB-1MEF3LMar2Mart2RGAG3SIRH1RTL2Paternally expressed gene 10

Silencing of PEG10 mRNA via RNA interference or antisense oligonucleotides to inhibit oncogenic signaling and induce apoptosis.