Testicular germ cell expressed HSF2 interacting long non-coding RNA (TESHL)

Testicular germ cell expressed HSF2 interacting long non-coding RNA (TESHL), more commonly referred to as DIRC3-AS1 or LINC01921, is a nuclear long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) involved in the *cis*-regulation of neighboring tumor suppressor genes, particularly IGFBP5[1][2][3]. DIRC3 (a synonym) is regulated by melanoma-associated transcription factors MITF and SOX10, and functions by modulating local chromatin structure and repressing SOX10 binding, thereby activating IGFBP5 expression and exerting tumor suppressive effects[2][3]. Low levels of expression in melanoma are associated with decreased patient survival, suggesting its potential as a biomarker in this context[3]. There is no evidence that TESHL functions as a traditional druggable target (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter) or has known small molecule or biologic drug modulators, nor is it typically classified as a therapeutic target[2][3].

Other names

DIRC3-AS1LINC01921DIRC3 antisense RNA 1long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1921IGFBP-AS1