SLC22A18 antisense RNA (SLC22A18-AS)

SLC22A18 antisense RNA (SLC22A18-AS, often appearing under aliases like BWR1B, SLC22A18AS, or SLC22A18-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA transcribed in the antisense direction relative to the SLC22A18 gene, which encodes an organic cation transporter. This antisense RNA belongs to the group of natural antisense transcripts (NATs) that regulate gene expression by interacting with their corresponding sense (protein-coding) genes, potentially through mechanisms such as chromatin remodeling, RNA-RNA interaction, and recruitment of epigenetic modifiers. SLC22A18-AS and related antisense transcripts are found in the imprinted region of chromosome 11p15.5, which is important in the etiology of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and implicated in various cancers. However, very limited molecular or functional characterization exists specific to SLC22A18-AS. Most evidence about function and relevance derives from analogy with the mechanisms of other antisense lncRNAs, which are emerging as regulators of gene expression, cancer progression, imprinting, and potential biomarkers. SLC22A18-AS is not a therapeutic target in the conventional sense (receptor, enzyme, transporter), but rather a regulatory RNA, and may be mis-annotated in some databases as a protein or by multiple, redundant names.

Other names

BWR1BBWSCR1BORCTL2SSLC22A18ASSLC22A1LSp27-BWR1BSLC22A18-AS1Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome chromosomal region 1 candidate gene B proteinOrganic cation transporter-like protein 2 antisense proteinSolute carrier family 22 member 1-like antisense proteinSolute carrier family 22 member 18 antisense proteinp27-Beckwith-Wiedemann region 1 BBeckwith-Wiedemann syndrome chromosome region 1, candidate bOrganic cation transporter-like 2 antisenseSLC67A1-AS

Not applicable for drugs, as there are no known interacting drugs. General antisense lncRNA mechanisms: may regulate the expression of adjacent or overlapping protein-coding genes through chromatin remodeling, RNA duplex formation, or recruitment of chromatin-modifying enzymes.