SRY-box transcription factor 21 antisense divergent transcript 1 (SOX21-AS1)

SRY-box transcription factor 21 antisense divergent transcript 1 (SOX21-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on human chromosome 13q32.1. It is transcribed antisense to the SOX21 gene, sharing a bidirectional promoter. SOX21-AS1 does not code for protein but exerts multi-faceted regulatory control over gene expression, primarily through sponging various microRNAs and influencing key cell signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, Hippo, Wnt/β-catenin, and ERK. It is broadly upregulated in several malignant tumors, where it promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, EMT, cancer cell stemness, and resistance to therapies, while in some contexts, it may act as a tumor suppressor. In Alzheimer's disease, SOX21-AS1 modulates neuronal survival and stress responses. Its expression level is associated with prognosis and disease progression in both cancer and neurodegeneration, making it a putative diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target. No specific drugs targeting SOX21-AS1 are currently approved, but its role in pathology has attracted research interest in the development of novel RNA-based therapeutics.

Other names

SOX21 antisense RNA 1SOX21-AS1SRY-box transcription factor 21 antisense divergent transcript 1SOX21 antisense RNA 1 (head to head)SOX21 antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)SOX21 antisense divergent transcript 1

Acts as a molecular sponge in competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks (binds and modulates miRNAs, e.g., miR-24-3p, miR-576-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-7-5p, miR-429). Regulates gene expression by modulating stability and translation of mRNA targets. Interacts with signaling pathways: PI3K/AKT, Hippo, Wnt/β-catenin, ERK.