UCHL1 divergent transcript (UCHL1-DT)

UCHL1 divergent transcript (UCHL1-DT), also called UCHL1 antisense RNA 1 (UCHL1-AS1), is a long non-coding RNA transcribed from the opposite DNA strand of the UCHL1 gene in a head-to-head configuration and overlaps with the 5' region of UCHL1 mRNA[1][3][4][9]. UCHL1-DT functions as a natural antisense lncRNA and is the founding member of the SINEUP family, which increase translation of their sense mRNA targets via a combination of an RNA binding domain (overlapping the target) and an effector domain (inverted SINEB2 sequence). In neurons, UCHL1-DT is regulated by the Nurr1 transcription factor and plays a role in neuronal homeostasis, with evidence for downregulation in neurodegenerative disease models such as Parkinson’s disease. Unlike protein-coding genes, UCHL1-DT itself is not a direct drug target but is of significant research interest for its regulatory role in gene expression and potential for RNA-based gene therapy[1][3][4][9].

Other names

UCH1LASUCHL1-AS1UCHL1 antisense RNA 1 (head to head)antisense UCHL1UCHL1-DT

SINEUP lncRNA: SINEUPs are a class of antisense lncRNAs that enhance translation of their sense transcript, here increasing UCHL1 protein production