Ras suppressor protein 1 pseudogene 2 (RSU1P2)

Ras suppressor protein 1 pseudogene 2 (RSU1P2) is a non-protein-coding pseudogene and a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), homologous to the functional Ras suppressor protein 1 (RSU1)[1][2]. Unlike its parent gene, RSU1P2 does not encode a functional protein but is transcribed as an lncRNA. It acts as a competing endogenous RNA, especially by sequestering tumor-suppressing microRNAs such as let-7a, preventing them from inhibiting their mRNA targets. This activity promotes the expression of oncogenic genes like IGF1R, N-myc, and EphA4, contributing to enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells, particularly in cervical cancer[1]. Current research treats RSU1P2 primarily as a regulatory lncRNA with an oncogenic role via RNA-mediated mechanisms rather than as a traditional drug target (such as a receptor or enzyme)[1][2].