PDX1 associated lncRNA, upregulator of transcription (PLUT)

PDX1 associated lncRNA, upregulator of transcription (PLUT) is a human long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) gene, also known as PLUTO or HI-LNC71, that is enriched in pancreatic islet β-cells, with tissue-specific expression highly correlated with the nearby essential transcription factor gene PDX1[1][2][3][5][6][7][8]. PLUT directly regulates the transcription of PDX1, including influencing the local 3D chromatin structure at the PDX1 locus, which is critical for normal β-cell development and function[2][4][8]. Aberrant expression of PLUT is linked to β-cell dysfunction and islets from type 2 diabetes patients display decreased PLUT and PDX1 expression[2][4]. While modulation of PLUT impacts gene expression and β-cell function in vitro, it is not a traditional therapeutic target such as a protein receptor, enzyme, or transporter, and no specific drugs are known to interact with PLUT directly[2][7]. PLUT is studied for its regulatory and disease associations, particularly in diabetes, but is not currently used as a biomarker or therapeutic target in clinical practice[7].

Other names

PLUTOHI-LNC71Human Islet Long Non Coding RNA 71PDX1-AS1