WT1 antisense RNA (WT1-AS)

WT1 antisense RNA (WT1-AS) is a long non-coding RNA located on human chromosome 11, transcribed antisense to the Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene[1][8]. Unlike the WT1 protein, WT1-AS does not code for a protein; instead, it regulates gene expression at the RNA level, predominantly by negatively regulating the expression of the WT1 gene[1][3][5]. It is functionally imprinted in the human kidney, where only the paternal allele is expressed. WT1-AS acts as a tumor suppressor in various human cancers, including gastric, lung, and cervical tumors; its dysregulation has been connected to increased proliferation, migration, stemness, and reduced apoptosis of tumor cells. Upregulation of WT1-AS can inhibit cancer cell growth and metastasis, and its promoter methylation status has been linked to prognosis in some cancers[3][5]. No clinically approved drugs currently target WT1-AS, and its primary significance is in non-coding RNA biology and as a cancer biomarker[3][5][9].

Other names

WT1-AS1WIT1WIT-1WT1ASWilms tumor-associated antisense RNAPutative Wilms tumor upstream neighbor 1 gene proteinWilms tumor associated proteinWilms tumor upstream neighbor 1WT1 antisense RNA (non-protein coding)

Functions through antisense inhibition of WT1 gene transcription and post-transcriptional repression; no drug-targeted mechanisms established