Taurine up-regulated gene 1 (long non-coding RNA) (TUG1)

Taurine up-regulated gene 1 (TUG1) is a well-studied long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) originally identified as being upregulated by taurine treatment in developing retinal cells. It does not encode a protein. TUG1 serves as a molecular regulator in a wide variety of biological processes, particularly in cancers, where it is frequently abnormally expressed. It facilitates tumor progression by modulating cell proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle, and drug resistance. Mechanistically, TUG1 functions through a combination of acting as a sponge for tumor-suppressive microRNAs (such as miR-143-5p and miR-498), recruiting RNA-binding proteins for chromatin remodeling, and influencing gene transcription and genome stability through R-loop regulation. TUG1’s expression levels correlate with clinical prognosis and therapeutic response in multiple cancer types and are thus viewed as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, context-specific effects—including both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties—have been reported, and direct therapeutic targeting is primarily investigational, focusing on nucleic acid–based strategies rather than small molecules.

Other names

Taurine up-regulated gene 1TUG1FLJ20618NCRNA00080LINC00080non-protein coding RNA 80long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 80TI-227Htaurine upregulated gene 1

Acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), sponging specific microRNAs (e.g., miR-143-5p, miR-498) Interacts with and recruits RNA-binding proteins (e.g., heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1) Epigenetic regulation of gene expression, including histone modification complexes Influences angiogenesis and cell signaling in cancer progression