PDZRN3 antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding) (PDZRN3-AS1)

PDZRN3 antisense RNA 1 (PDZRN3-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA located on human chromosome 3 (genomic locus chr3:73621603-73627906, hg38). It does not encode a protein, but rather is likely involved in post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression, particularly that of its sense counterpart, PDZRN3, or associated pathways. Recent cancer transcriptome studies have identified PDZRN3-AS1 as one of several long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), where its reduced expression correlates with patient prognosis and tumor invasion risk. Its functional and mechanistic roles remain to be fully elucidated, but current evidence suggests a potential role as a biomarker for cancer progression rather than as a direct therapeutic target. PDZRN3-AS1 is frequently misinterpreted as coding for the PDZRN3 E3 ligase enzyme or as a receptor—this is incorrect; PDZRN3-AS1 is strictly non-coding and distinct from PDZRN3 protein, which is itself an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in protein trafficking, cell signaling, and junctional stability, but not an established therapeutic receptor or enzyme target as of this writing. No drugs are known to target PDZRN3-AS1, nor is a direct mechanism of drug action established for this lncRNA.

Other names

PDZRN3-AS1PDZRN3 antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)