SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT)

SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) is a long non-coding RNA gene located at human chromosome 3q26.3, spanning over 700 kb, highly conserved across vertebrates and containing multiple exons and alternative transcription start sites[1][2][7]. The SOX2 gene, critical for stem cell pluripotency, lies within the intronic region of SOX2OT. SOX2OT regulates SOX2 (and other genes) via transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic mechanisms. It modulates gene expression by interacting with miRNAs as a sponge (ceRNA), recruiting chromatin remodelers like PRC2 (EZH2) and PRC1, and directly binding transcriptional regulators[2][4]. SOX2OT is dynamically expressed in embryogenesis, restricted to neurogenic zones of the brain in adults, and substantially upregulated in various cancers, correlating with poor prognosis and aggressive tumor phenotypes[2][3][4][8][9]. Disrupted or aberrant SOX2OT function is associated with cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and diabetic complications, making it a promising diagnostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target[2][4][8].

Other names

SOX2-OTDKFZp761J1324NCRNA00043Non-protein coding RNA 43SOX2 overlapping transcript (non-coding RNA)SOX2 overlapping transcript (non-protein coding)

RNA interference (siRNA/shRNA or antisense oligonucleotides targeting SOX2OT to reduce its levels in cancer models)\nPotential small molecule/oligonucleotide inhibitors affecting epigenetic or RNA binding functions (preclinical concepts only)