ZEB1 antisense RNA 1 (non-protein coding) (ZEB1-AS1)

ZEB1 antisense RNA 1 (ZEB1-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA oriented in the antisense direction along the ZEB1 gene locus, overlapping the ZEB1 promoter and part of the first exon. It acts primarily by regulating transcription of the ZEB1 gene, a key transcription factor driving epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and contributing to cancer metastasis, stemness, fibrosis, and therapy resistance. In disease contexts including osteosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis, ZEB1-AS1 is upregulated, promotes proliferation and migration of affected cells, and is associated with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, ZEB1-AS1 can recruit histone acetyltransferase p300 to the ZEB1 promoter, induce open chromatin structure, activate ZEB1 transcription, and function as a competitive endogenous RNA for microRNAs such as miR-141-3p, further facilitating gene expression changes. ZEB1-AS1 is under investigation as a potential therapeutic target, prognostic biomarker, and key contributor to cancer and fibrosis pathogenesis.

Other names

ZEB1-AS1ZEB1 antisense RNA 1ZEB1-AS1 (non-protein coding)

RNA interference/antisense oligonucleotides: Suppress ZEB1-AS1, decrease ZEB1 expression, inhibit EMT, proliferation, and migration. Modulation of microRNA networks: By sponging (acting as ceRNA) for miR-141-3p and others, affecting downstream gene expression.