WNT5A antisense RNA 1 (WNT5A-AS1)

WNT5A antisense RNA 1 (WNT5A-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA transcribed from the opposite strand of the WNT5A gene locus.[2] It does not code for a protein but plays a regulatory role by modulating the transcription and function of WNT5A, a key ligand in the WNT signaling pathway. WNT5A-AS1 has been shown to be overexpressed in certain cancers, notably glioblastoma, where its increased expression correlates with decreased overall survival in male patients. Experimental knockdown of WNT5A-AS1 enhances the expression of WNT5A, alters stem cell maintenance, and increases sensitivity to chemotherapeutics such as temozolomide, suggesting its importance as a therapeutic target or biomarker in cancer biology. The molecular mechanisms involve sex-dimorphic regulation of WNT signaling, impacting tumor progression and resistance to therapy[2]. WNT5A-AS1 represents a regulatory noncoding RNA rather than a classic receptor, enzyme, or transporter. It is an emerging target for cancer research, with roles in *signal transduction* via modulation of WNT pathway activity, *cell proliferation*, and *therapeutic resistance*[2][6]. There are currently no clinically approved drugs directly targeting WNT5A-AS1; research is ongoing to elucidate its druggability and safety profile.

Other names

WNT5A antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding)WNT5A-AS1

Modulation of WNT5A expression affects downstream Wnt signaling, which impacts cell survival and stemness; altering WNT5A-AS1 expression may sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy