Transcribed ultraconserved region Uc.63+ (Uc.63+)

Transcribed ultraconserved region Uc.63+ (Uc.63+) is a member of the transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs), a class of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are 100% conserved between human, mouse, and rat genomes. It is primarily recognized as an oncogene that is overexpressed in several malignancies, including prostate, bladder, breast, and gastric cancers. Uc.63+ plays a critical role in promoting cell proliferation and migration while inhibiting apoptosis, often by acting as a molecular sponge for microRNAs like miR-130b or by modulating key signaling pathways such as the androgen receptor (AR) and NF-κB pathways. Clinically, elevated levels of Uc.63+ are associated with poor prognosis and resistance to standard chemotherapies like docetaxel and cisplatin. Because of its specific upregulation in tumor tissues and its role in drug resistance, Uc.63+ is being investigated as both a diagnostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for RNA-based interventions. Experimental silencing of Uc.63+ using siRNA has been shown to re-sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy, highlighting its potential for future drug development.

Other names

uc.63T-UCR Uc.63+HINCUTUltraconserved long non-coding RNA uc.63

Uc.63+ acts as an oncogenic long non-coding RNA that modulates gene expression through multiple mechanisms, including acting as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) or sponge for microRNAs such as miR-130b, which in turn regulates downstream targets like MMP2. In hormone-related cancers, it upregulates the expression of the androgen receptor (AR), thereby promoting resistance to taxanes and platinum-based chemotherapy. It also activates the NF-κB signaling pathway by upregulating the p65 subunit in gastric cancer cells.