WAP four-disulfide core domain 21 pseudogene (WFDC21P)

WAP four-disulfide core domain 21 pseudogene (WFDC21P) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) derived from a pseudogene and does not encode a functional protein[1][2][6]. It is primarily located in the nucleus and participates in gene regulation by interacting with proteins and possibly other RNAs. WFDC21P is significantly upregulated in several types of cancer, including gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer, correlating with more advanced disease and poor prognosis[1][2][6]. In gastric cancer, it functions as an oncogene: promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion by binding proteins such as GTPase Ran and SEC63, modulating pathways like Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin and calcium homeostasis signaling[1][6]. In contrast, in hepatocellular carcinoma, it appears to act as a tumor suppressor under the control of the nuclear receptor Nur77, inhibiting proliferation and glycolysis through interaction with glycolytic enzymes PFKP and PKM2[2]. WFDC21P is subject to transcriptional control (e.g., by FOXP3 in gastric cancer and Nur77 in HCC), and its stability can be regulated post-transcriptionally (e.g., by DCP2-mediated decapping and miRNA interactions such as miR-4293 and miR-628)[4][6]. Given its tissue-specific roles and mechanistic versatility, WFDC21P is considered a disease-associated lncRNA but is not a direct target for current therapeutics, nor are there known small molecule or biological drugs acting directly by modulating its activity[1][2][6]. Its expression may, however, serve as a biomarker for selecting or stratifying patients in oncology[1][6].

Other names

LNCDClinc-DClnc-DCWDNM1-like pseudogenelnc-dendritic cell lncRNAlong non-coding RNA, dendritic cell differentiation