Phosphatase and actin regulator 2 antisense RNA 1 (PHACTR2-AS1)

PHACTR2-AS1 (Phosphatase and actin regulator 2 antisense RNA 1) is a cytoplasmic long non-coding RNA implicated in cancer biology, particularly as a regulatory molecule affecting cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. In tongue squamous cell carcinoma, PHACTR2-AS1 expression is elevated and promotes metastasis by acting as a molecular sponge for miR-137, leading to increased Snail expression and induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition[1][2]. In breast cancer, lower levels of PHACTR2-AS1 are associated with more aggressive disease; mechanistically, it can bind ribosomal DNA gene loci and recruit the histone methyltransferase SUV39H1, enhancing H3K9 methylation to maintain rDNA silencing and stable ribosome synthesis[3][4][6]. Its dual roles in different cancer types suggest context-dependent tumor suppressive or tumor-promoting functions, making it a candidate therapeutic target and possible biomarker for cancer progression and prognosis. No specific small-molecule drugs targeting PHACTR2-AS1 are reported, but modulating its expression or molecular interactions is under investigation for potential cancer therapeutics.

Other names

NR027113lncIHSlncRNA intersection between HBx microarray and SMYD3 microarray

Acts as a miRNA sponge (e.g., for miR-137); Recruits SUV39H1 to promote H3K9 methylation and silence rDNA loci; Modulates ribosome synthesis