Transcription factor HES-1 (HES1) mRNA (HES1 mRNA)

HES1 mRNA is the transcript encoding the Hairy and enhancer of split-1 (HES1) protein, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor that functions as a key downstream effector of the Notch signaling pathway (UniProt P35428). HES1 primarily acts as a transcriptional repressor, regulating genes involved in cell fate determination, stem cell maintenance, and proliferation (PubMed: 25605871). In many cancers, HES1 is pathologically overexpressed, contributing to tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy by maintaining a stem-like state in cancer cells (PubMed: 31235878). Because transcription factors like HES1 are traditionally difficult to target with small molecules, therapeutic strategies have shifted toward targeting the HES1 mRNA using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These approaches aim to reduce HES1 protein levels by inducing the degradation of its mRNA or blocking its translation, thereby restoring normal cell differentiation and sensitizing tumors to treatment (PubMed: 28651318).

Other names

Hairy and enhancer of split-1 mRNAHES1 transcriptHairy-like protein 1 mRNAHHL mRNAHRY mRNA

Antisense-mediated mRNA degradation (RNase H-dependent) or RNA interference (RNAi) to prevent translation of the HES1 protein.