Details for: DARS1 AS1

Gene ID: 101928243

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: DARS1 AS1

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000231890

Description: DARS1 antisense RNA 1

Cell Significance Landscape

Significant Cells

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

  • retinal cone cell CL0000573
    CSI 2.6
    rCSI 4.19%
    PRS 99.67

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 Color (Target Cell CSI, relative to current network):
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    • High
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    • CSI N/A
  • Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
  • STRING PPI Edge
  • 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 [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) is a non-coding RNA (ncRNA), DARS1 antisense RNA 1, located on chromosome 2. **Overall**, the expression profile of this gene suggests a highly specialized role, with data indicating its most significant expression is confined to [retinal cone cell](/details-cell/CL0000573)s. As an antisense transcript to the protein-coding gene DARS1 (Aspartyl-tRNA Synthetase 1), it is hypothesized to be involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of its sense counterpart, potentially playing a role in maintaining cellular homeostasis within the retina. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The available data points to a remarkably restricted expression landscape for [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243). Its significance is almost exclusively highlighted in a single cell type: * **Primary Site of Expression:** [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) is identified as a significant transcript in [retinal cone cell](/details-cell/CL0000573)s (CSI: 2.60). This highly specific expression pattern strongly suggests that the function of [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) is tightly linked to the unique biology of photoreceptor cells, which are responsible for color vision and photopic vision. The lack of significant expression in other cell types implies that its role is not related to general "housekeeping" functions but is instead tailored to processes specific to the neural retina. Further investigation is required to fully characterize its expression across a broader range of tissues and cell types. ## Pathways and Molecular Function The specific biological pathways involving [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) are not detailed in the provided functional annotation data. However, its designation as an antisense transcript provides a strong clue to its potential mechanism of action. Antisense ncRNAs typically function by binding to their corresponding sense mRNA transcripts. This interaction can lead to several outcomes, including: * Inhibition of translation. * Induction of mRNA degradation through RNA interference pathways. * Alteration of mRNA splicing patterns. Given this, [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) may regulate the expression of DARS1, the enzyme responsible for attaching aspartate to its corresponding tRNA, a fundamental step in protein synthesis. Fine-tuning the rate of protein synthesis could be critical in a metabolically active and highly specialized cell like a [retinal cone cell](/details-cell/CL0000573), which must constantly replenish proteins involved in the phototransduction cascade. ## Research Directions The highly specific expression of [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) in [retinal cone cell](/details-cell/CL0000573)s makes it an intriguing subject for vision science and retinal disease research. ### Proposed Hypotheses 1. **Regulatory Function:** [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) functions as a negative regulator of DARS1 expression in [retinal cone cell](/details-cell/CL0000573)s. This regulation is crucial for modulating local protein synthesis to maintain photoreceptor health and prevent cellular stress. 2. **Role in Retinopathy:** Dysregulation of [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) expression, either through genetic mutation or environmental factors, contributes to the pathophysiology of cone-specific or cone-rod dystrophies by disrupting cellular homeostasis and leading to progressive photoreceptor degeneration. ### Experimental Approach To test the hypothesis that [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) regulates DARS1, one could utilize a human retinal organoid model derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Specific knockdown of [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) could be achieved using locked nucleic acid (LNA) gapmers. Following knockdown, changes in DARS1 mRNA and protein levels would be quantified via qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. A significant increase in DARS1 levels upon [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) knockdown would provide strong evidence for a direct, repressive regulatory relationship. ### Therapeutic Potential Given its nature as an ncRNA and its exquisite specificity for [retinal cone cell](/details-cell/CL0000573)s, [DARS1 AS1](/details-gene/101928243) represents a promising therapeutic target. If its overexpression is linked to a retinal disease, it would be an excellent candidate for **inhibition** using antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. The high specificity would likely minimize off-target effects, a critical consideration for ocular treatments. Such ASOs could be delivered directly to the eye via intravitreal injection, a common clinical procedure for treating retinal disorders.