The PTEN tumor-suppressor gene is regulated by the PTENpg1 long noncoding RNA. A new study investigating a previously uncharacterized PTENpg1-encoded antisense RNA (asRNA) now reveals that the asRNA α isoform functions as a negative regulator of PTEN transcription by recruiting chromatin remodelers and catalyzing H3K27me3 formation, whereas the asRNA β isoform interacts with PTENpg1, thereby affecting PTEN levels post-transcriptionally.
- Per Johnsson
- Amanda Ackley
- Kevin V Morris
