VENT homeobox pseudogene 1 (VENTXP1)

VENT homeobox pseudogene 1 (VENTXP1) is a member of the Vent homeobox gene family and classified as a **pseudogene** and a **long noncoding RNA** (lncRNA) rather than a protein-coding gene[1][3]. Homeobox genes typically encode DNA-binding proteins involved in embryonic development, but VENTXP1 does not generate a functional protein. Instead, its RNA product has been recently described as a **tumor suppressor** lncRNA, with epigenetic silencing (e.g., DNA methylation) causing reduced expression in several cancers, most notably head and neck squamous cell carcinoma[1]. Low levels of VENTXP1 lncRNA are associated with poorer patient survival. Mechanistically, VENTXP1 lncRNA can regulate miR-205-5p and influence ANKRD2 expression, thereby modulating NF-κB signaling and cell proliferation[1]. The gene is also sometimes listed as a **cancer/testis antigen** (e.g., aliases CT18, NA88A)[2][3], but it is not a proven direct therapeutic target, as neither drugs nor small molecule inhibitors are currently known to interact with it, nor does it encode a functional receptor or enzyme[1][3].

Other names

CT18NA88AVENTX2P1VENT-like homeobox 2 pseudogene 1cancer/testis antigen 18tumor antigen NA88AVENTXP1