SUGCT antisense RNA 1 (SUGCT-AS1)

SUGCT antisense RNA 1 (SUGCT-AS1) is a human-specific long non-coding RNA transcribed from the antisense strand of the SUGCT gene locus. It is strongly induced in macrophages, particularly under M1 (proinflammatory) polarization stimuli. SUGCT-AS1 acts as a negative feedback regulator in the inflammatory response: when depleted, macrophages secrete higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL1B, and IL6, enhancing inflammatory signals in surrounding vascular smooth muscle cells. Mechanistically, SUGCT-AS1 interacts directly with the nuclear protein hnRNPU, modulating its localization and affecting the alternative splicing of MALT1, a mediator of NF-κB signaling. This places SUGCT-AS1 within a novel axis of inflammatory regulation in human macrophages. Its expression and function appear to be specific to humans and are not conserved in the mouse[1][2][3].

Other names

AC004988.1ENST00000415237SUGCT antisense transcript 1

Not established. No drugs targeting SUGCT-AS1 are described in available literature. Antisense therapies in general may function by RNA degradation, splicing modulation, or inhibition of RNA interactions[4].