WT1-AS
wt1-as Gene: An Intriguing Regulator in Cancer and Beyond
Description
The wt1-as gene (also known as antisense non-coding RNA in the Wilms' tumor 1 gene) is a non-coding RNA molecule located on chromosome 11p13. Contrary to protein-coding genes, non-coding RNAs do not translate into proteins but play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and cellular functions.
The wt1-as gene produces a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is oppositely oriented to the Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) gene, a known tumor suppressor. This unique arrangement suggests a potential regulatory role of wt1-as in WT1's function.
Associated Diseases
Aberrant expression of wt1-as has been implicated in several diseases, including:
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Cancer: Dysregulation of wt1-as has been observed in various cancers, including leukemia, lung cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer. Studies suggest that wt1-as can promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
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Kidney Diseases: Alterations in wt1-as levels have been linked to kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy.
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Neurodegenerative Disorders: Recent research has explored the involvement of wt1-as in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Did you Know ?
According to a study published in the journal Cancer Research, high levels of wt1-as in leukemia patients are associated with a significantly reduced overall survival rate. This finding highlights the potential prognostic value of wt1-as in cancer.
