Prostate cancer-associated non-coding RNA 1 (PRNCR1)

Prostate cancer-associated non-coding RNA 1 (PRNCR1) is a 12.7 kb long, intron-less long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) first identified in human prostate tissue and prostate cancer cell lines. PRNCR1 is associated with various cancers (including prostate, breast, lung, oral, colon, and rectal), where it is typically overexpressed. Functionally, PRNCR1 has roles in gene regulation—particularly in modulating androgen receptor (AR) pathways in prostate cancer—through mechanisms such as chromatin interaction, modification, and acting as a molecular sponge for diverse microRNAs. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the PRNCR1 locus have been investigated as cancer susceptibility markers and potential prognostic tools. While PRNCR1’s direct role as a drug target is not established, it remains a focus of biomarker research and a candidate for future RNA-based therapeutic strategies. The functional importance of PRNCR1 in prostate cancer is debated, as some studies show strong pathological associations, while others report limited functional relevance or lack of prognostic value.

Other names

CARLo-3PCAT8prostate cancer-associated transcript 8 (non-protein coding)prostate cancer non-coding RNA 1PRNCR1