Prion locus lncRNA, testis expressed (PRNT)

Prion locus lncRNA, testis expressed (PRNT) is a human gene encoding a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is primarily expressed in the testis[1][3][5]. It is annotated by the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) and located on chromosome 20q (chr20:4,731,282-4,740,668, hg38)[1][5][7][8]. Despite historical associations with names like "Putative testis-specific prion protein" and "M8," current genomic databases clearly define PRNT as a non-coding RNA rather than a protein-coding gene[1][3][5][7]. There is no compelling evidence for a protein product or known disease association, drug interactions, or role as a therapeutic target[1][3][6][8]. No molecular or clinical function has yet been established in the scientific literature, and it is not characterized as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or classical therapeutic target. The gene is sometimes confused with prion protein (PRNP) or with the concept of testis-specific proteins, but it is distinct and encodes an lncRNA. Note: - The inclusion of protein-centric aliases like "Putative testis-specific prion protein" or "Protein M8" is legacy terminology. Updated sources confirm PRNT is an lncRNA without a proven protein product[1][3][4][7]. - As such, PRNT is not considered a therapeutic target and should not be classified under targetable receptors, enzymes, or protein families[6][8]. - Its function, if any, remains to be elucidated. Summary assessment: PRNT is a non-coding RNA gene, not a conventional drug target or protein, and its historical protein aliases reflect outdated or speculative annotations.

Other names

Putative testis-specific prion proteinM8Protein M8M8 proteinprion protein (testis specific)PRNT

None known