Proliferating cell nuclear antigen pseudogene 1 (PCNAP1)

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen pseudogene 1 (PCNAP1) is a non-coding RNA derived from a pseudogene related to the canonical PCNA gene. PCNAP1 functions primarily as a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and acts as a competitive endogenous RNA, regulating its ancestral PCNA gene by sponging specific microRNAs (e.g., miR-154 in liver cancer, miR-340-5p in breast cancer). Through these post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, PCNAP1 modulates DNA replication, DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints, and p53 pathways. Elevated PCNAP1 expression promotes hepatitis B virus replication and cccDNA accumulation in hepatocytes and enhances the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by increasing SOX4 expression. PCNAP1 is not considered a classical therapeutic target (e.g., receptor, enzyme) but may serve as a potential biomarker for cancer prognosis and viral hepatitis progression.

Other names

PCNAP1Proliferating cell nuclear antigen pseudogene 1lncRNA PCNAP1p1PCNA

As a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), PCNAP1 sponges specific microRNAs (e.g., miR-154 in liver cancer, miR-340-5p in breast cancer), leading to increased expression of target genes such as PCNA (via miR-154) and SOX4 (via miR-340-5p). Upregulates PCNA in the liver, promoting HBV replication and hepatocarcinogenesis. Promotes breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting miR-340-5p and upregulating SOX4.