Transcribed ultra-conserved region 338 (TUC338) (TUC338)

Transcribed ultra-conserved region 338 (TUC338) is a 590-nucleotide long non-coding RNA that partially overlaps the PCBP2 gene on chromosome 12, but is transcribed independently of it. It contains a highly conserved sequence (ultraconserved region uc.338) that is identical across several vertebrate species. TUC338 is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and supports cancer cell proliferation, affecting the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle (notably G1/S progression). In experimental models, knockdown of TUC338 by siRNA reduces growth of human and mouse liver cancer cells and alters expression of cyclins and cell cycle regulators (such as CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1, and p16INK4a). It does not encode a protein, and its function is likely as a nuclear regulatory RNA influencing gene expression and cell growth. No approved drugs, antibodies, or inhibitors are currently known to target TUC338, but it is under research as a biomarker and possible therapeutic target in cancer. This molecule is distinguished from the protein-coding PCBP2 gene, and the synonym "PCBP2 overlapping transcript 1" refers to its genomic overlap rather than physical or functional relationship.

Other names

PCBP2 overlapping transcript 1PCBP2-OT1uc.338TUC.338transcribed ultra-conserved region 338TUC338 (non-protein coding)

Not applicable for classic drugs; inhibition via siRNA reduces cell proliferation and affects expression of cell cycle genes.