Long non-coding RNA SEAL1 (SEAL1)

Long non-coding RNA SEAL1 (SEAL1) is a novel regulatory RNA that acts as a master regulator of the myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblast (myCAF) cell state across multiple solid tumors, including breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. It is restrictively expressed in myCAFs and is a key driver of the desmoplastic reaction in the tumor microenvironment, which is characterized by extracellular matrix dysregulation and immune suppression. SEAL1 expression is associated with poor patient prognosis and resistance to immunotherapy, as it maintains the pro-tumorigenic identity of CAFs. Experimental targeting of SEAL1 using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) has been shown to potently reduce the myCAF identity and decrease tumor volume in vivo. By modulating the regulatory genome of the stroma, SEAL1 represents a promising therapeutic target for overcoming treatment resistance and improving outcomes in aggressive solid cancers.

Other names

SEAL1 lncRNAmyCAF-specific lncRNA SEAL1