External IDs GeneCards: HOTAIR Human Mouse Ensembl ENSG00000228630 | Species Human Entrez 100124700 | |
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Aliases HOTAIR, HOXAS, HOXC-AS4, HOXC11-AS1, NCRNA00072, HOX transcript antisense RNA | ||
HOTAIR (for HOX transcript antisense RNA) is a human gene located on chromosome 12. It is the first example of an RNA expressed on one chromosome that has been found to influence transcription on another chromosome.
Contents
Gene and transcribed RNA product
The HOTAIR gene contains 6,232 bp and encodes 2.2 kb long noncoding RNA molecule, which controls gene expression. Its source DNA is located within a HOXC gene cluster. It is shuttled from chromosome 12 to chromosome 2 by the Suz-Twelve protein.
Function
The 5' end of HOTAIR interacts with a Polycomb-group protein Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) and as a result regulates chromatin state. It is required for gene-silencing of the HOXD locus by PRC2. The 3' end of HOTAIR interacts with the histone demethylase LSD1.
It is an important factor in the epigenetic differentiation of skin over the surface of the body. Skin from various anatomical positions is distinct, e.g. the skin of the eyelid differs markedly from that on the sole of the foot.
Clinical significance
HOTAIR is highly expressed in metastatic breast cancers. High levels of expression in primary breast tumours are a significant predictor of subsequent metastasis and death. In cells, especially those that over express PRC2, the prevention of HOTAIR expression leads to a reduction in invasive potential of that cell. It is also involved in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.