STAT4 antisense RNA 1 (STAT4-AS1)

STAT4-AS1 (STAT4 antisense RNA 1) is a long noncoding RNA transcribed antisense to the STAT4 gene. It is downregulated in T cells from asthmatic individuals. STAT4-AS1 inhibits differentiation of TH17 helper T cells by binding to and sequestering the master transcription factor RORγt in the cytoplasm, preventing its interaction with the IL-17 gene promoter and blocking its nuclear translocation. This results in attenuated IL-17 expression and dampened TH17-mediated responses. STAT4-AS1 also provides feedback regulation on STAT4 gene expression. Its involvement in TH17 cell biology identifies it as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for asthma and other immune-mediated conditions characterized by aberrant IL-17 and TH17 responses. Currently, STAT4-AS1 itself is not targeted by approved drugs, but its mechanistic insight suggests promise for clinical translation in the future.

Other names

STAT4-AS1long noncoding RNA STAT4-AS1lncRNA STAT4 antisense RNA 1

Direct binding to RORγt protein, inhibiting its ability to promote IL-17A transcription; Feedback suppression/expression of the positive-sense STAT4 gene; Modulation of TH17 cell differentiation by interfering with RORγt nuclear translocation