Podoplanin messenger RNA (PDPN mRNA)

Podoplanin (PDPN) mRNA is the transcript encoding the podoplanin protein, a type I transmembrane sialoglycoprotein essential for the development of the lymphatic system (NCBI Gene ID: 10630). In healthy physiology, it is expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells, podocytes, and type I alveolar cells, but it is significantly upregulated in various aggressive malignancies, including glioblastoma, mesothelioma, and squamous cell carcinomas (PubMed: 22431877). The mRNA serves as the template for the PDPN protein, which facilitates tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby driving tumor invasion and metastasis (PubMed: 21858246). Therapeutic targeting of PDPN mRNA using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) aims to silence gene expression at the pre-translational level, effectively reducing the abundance of the pro-tumorigenic protein. This approach has demonstrated potential in preclinical models to inhibit tumor growth and prevent the formation of metastatic niches (PubMed: 25605103). Current research focuses on optimizing delivery systems, such as lipid nanoparticles, to ensure these nucleic acid-based therapies reach tumor sites effectively while minimizing off-target effects in normal PDPN-expressing tissues.

Other names

T1-alpha mRNAAggrus mRNAGP36 mRNAPA2.26 antigen mRNAHT1A-1 mRNAPodoplanin transcript

RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense-mediated degradation of the mRNA transcript to prevent translation of the podoplanin protein.