TMEM44 antisense RNA 1 (TMEM44-AS1)

TMEM44 antisense RNA 1 (TMEM44-AS1) is a **long non-coding RNA** (lncRNA) that is transcribed antisense to the TMEM44 gene. It is not a protein-coding gene, but rather a non-coding regulatory RNA. TMEM44-AS1 has been shown to be **overexpressed in multiple cancer types**, including glioma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and gastric cancer, where it acts as an **oncogene**. Mechanistically, TMEM44-AS1 influences cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and treatment resistance. In glioma, TMEM44-AS1 forms part of a positive feedback loop with the transcription factor Myc, and promotes downstream signaling through EGR1 and IL-6 pathways[1]. In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, TMEM44-AS1 interacts with the RNA-binding protein IGF2BP2 to stabilize GPX4 mRNA, inhibiting ferroptosis and fostering tumor progression[2]. TMEM44-AS1 is viewed as an emerging therapeutic target and biomarker for poor prognosis in several cancers. Pharmacological inhibition (e.g., Myci975) of its regulatory loop with Myc demonstrates promise as an anti-cancer strategy in preclinical models[1][2].

Other names

TMEM44-AS1long non-coding RNA TMEM44-AS1lncRNA TMEM44-AS1

Small molecule Myc inhibition disrupts the TMEM44-AS1-Myc positive feedback loop in glioma - For Myci975 specifically: blocks Myc, thereby reducing TMEM44-AS1 transcriptional effects - Indirect drug mechanisms may include modulation of lncRNA stability or disrupting key lncRNA-protein interactions