Details for: ALDH1A3 AS1

Gene ID: 101927751

Gene Type:  ncRNA (Non-coding RNA)  - A functional RNA molecule that is transcribed from DNA but not translated into a protein. Includes classes like miRNA and lncRNA.

Symbol: ALDH1A3 AS1

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000259583

Description: ALDH1A3 antisense RNA 1

Selected Context(s):  Overall

Cell Significance Landscape

Contexts:

Significant Cells

Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores for the chosen context(s)

  • conjunctival epithelial cell CL1000432
    CSI 3.6
    rCSI 5.5%
    PRS 99.75

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this specific cell.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.
Network Configuration

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  • Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
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  • Shared Pathway Edge (ONTOLOGY)

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Other Information

This section provides additional information about the gene, including a description generated by an AI language model and details about associated proteins.

## Summary [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on chromosome 15. As an antisense transcript to the protein-coding gene *ALDH1A3*, its primary function is likely regulatory. Expression data indicate that [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) has a remarkably specific and significant presence in [conjunctival epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL1000432), suggesting a specialized role in maintaining the health and function of the ocular surface. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape **Overall**, the expression profile of [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) is distinguished by its high degree of tissue specificity. The available data highlight its significant expression exclusively in a single cell type: * **[conjunctival epithelial cell](/details-cell/CL1000432)** (CSI: 3.60) This high Cell Significance Index (CSI) in [conjunctival epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL1000432) suggests that [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) may serve as a defining molecular marker for this lineage. Its potent and specific expression implies a potentially crucial role in the biological processes unique to these cells, such as maintaining the mucosal barrier, producing mucins, or regulating epithelial differentiation on the surface of the eye. The absence of significant expression in other cell types underscores its specialized function within this precise anatomical context. ## Pathways and Molecular Function The precise molecular functions of [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) are not yet fully characterized in functional annotation databases. However, its genomic location as an antisense transcript to the *ALDH1A3* gene provides a strong basis for its hypothesized function. Antisense lncRNAs commonly regulate the expression of their corresponding sense genes through mechanisms such as transcriptional interference, mRNA stability modulation, or chromatin remodeling. The sense gene, *ALDH1A3*, encodes aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3, a key enzyme in the synthesis of retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is a vital signaling molecule that governs cell proliferation, differentiation, and immune function, particularly in epithelial tissues. Therefore, the high expression of [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) in [conjunctival epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL1000432) is consistent with a role in fine-tuning local retinoic acid signaling to maintain ocular surface homeostasis. ## Research Directions The highly specific expression of [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) in the conjunctiva makes it a compelling subject for investigation, particularly in the context of ocular surface diseases like dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, or Sjögren's syndrome, where epithelial health is compromised. **Testable Hypotheses:** 1. [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) negatively regulates the expression of its sense gene, *ALDH1A3*, in [conjunctival epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL1000432). Downregulation of [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) leads to increased retinoic acid synthesis, promoting epithelial differentiation and mucin production. 2. The expression of [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) is altered in response to inflammatory or environmental stress on the ocular surface, and its dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of dry eye disease by disrupting epithelial barrier function. **Proposed Experimental Approach:** To test the hypothesis that [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) regulates *ALDH1A3*, one could utilize a human conjunctival epithelial cell line. The experiment would involve transfecting these cells with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) designed to specifically knock down [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751). The effects would be measured by quantifying *ALDH1A3* mRNA and protein levels via qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Functional consequences could be assessed by measuring changes in key epithelial differentiation markers (e.g., MUC5AC, KRT13) and evaluating cellular responses to desiccating stress in vitro. **Therapeutic Potential:** Given its extreme tissue specificity, [ALDH1A3 AS1](/details-gene/101927751) represents an excellent candidate for targeted RNA-based therapeutics for ocular surface disorders. If its dysregulation (either up- or downregulation) is proven to be pathogenic, it could be targeted with high precision using ASOs or siRNAs administered topically via eye drops. This approach would likely have a favorable safety profile due to the minimal risk of off-target effects in other tissues, making it a promising strategy for developing novel treatments for a range of conjunctival diseases. Depending on its role in pathology, therapeutic intervention could involve either inhibition or ectopic expression of the lncRNA.