HOTAIR
Description
The HOTAIR (HOX transcript antisense RNA) is a ncRNA gene located on chromosome 12.
HOTAIR, short for HOX transcript antisense RNA, is a human gene located on chromosome 12, between HOXC11 and HOXC12. It is notable for being the first discovered RNA molecule transcribed on one chromosome (12) that influences the expression of genes located on a different chromosome (2), specifically the HOXD cluster of genes. HOTAIR is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) meaning it does not code for a protein, but instead serves as a regulatory molecule. Its function is primarily mediated through its interaction with Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). This interaction leads to changes in chromatin structure, which in turn affects gene expression. HOTAIR has been found to be highly conserved across mammals, with both conserved sequences and structures, indicating its importance in biological function. Interestingly, its sequence and function differ between humans and mice, highlighting potential species-specific roles. Further analysis has revealed conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) within HOTAIR, suggesting its origin predates whole genome duplication events in vertebrates. These conserved regions exhibit enhancer features, further emphasizing their functional significance.
HOTAIR is also known as HOXAS, HOXC-AS4, HOXC11-AS1, NCRNA00072.
Associated Diseases
- breast cancer
- cancer
- urinary bladder carcinoma
- gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- nail-patella syndrome
- pachyonychia congenita
- Duane retraction syndrome
