Phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase subunit alpha antisense RNA 1 (FARSA-AS1)

Phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase subunit alpha antisense RNA 1 (FARSA-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) identified as having a significant role in cancer biology, especially in colorectal cancer (CRC)[1][2]. FARSA-AS1 is located in the cytoplasm and regulates oncogenic pathways by two principal mechanisms: acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that sponges specific microRNAs (including miR-28-5p) and regulating nearby gene expression, particularly the protein-coding gene FARSA and the transcription factor SOX9[1][2]. Experimental studies show that silencing FARSA-AS1 in CRC cell lines leads to diminished cell proliferation, reduced stemness (indicated by lower ALDH and CD133 levels), increased apoptosis, and impaired cell migration and invasion[1][2]. RNA localization and functional studies further demonstrate that FARSA-AS1 exerts its effects mainly at the post-transcriptional level, promoting malignancy by upregulating the expression of SOX9 and FARSA via miRNA sponge activity[1][2]. Currently, FARSA-AS1 is not itself a therapeutic target nor a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or similar pharmacological target; rather, it is a gene regulatory RNA with diagnostic and prognostic potential in cancer[1][2]. No drugs are known to directly target FARSA-AS1. There are no direct safety concerns or therapeutic challenges associated with targeting FARSA-AS1, but its manipulation could affect tumor growth and metastasis pathways in CRC[1][2].

Other names

FARSA antisense RNA 1lncRNA FARSA-AS1

Not targeted by drugs; mechanism as a ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) sequestering microRNAs to regulate mRNAs