Psmb8 antisense rna 1 (head to head)

Psmb8 antisense RNA 1 (head to head), frequently abbreviated as PSMB8-AS1 (H2H), is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is transcribed antisense to the protein-coding gene proteasome subunit beta 8 (PSMB8). PSMB8 encodes a catalytic subunit of the immunoproteasome, a specialized proteasome complex involved in antigen processing and presentation.

The "head to head" designation indicates that the transcription start sites of PSMB8 and PSMB8-AS1 are located in close proximity to each other and oriented in opposite directions. This head-to-head, or divergent, arrangement suggests a potential regulatory relationship between the two transcripts.

The precise function of PSMB8-AS1 is not fully elucidated, but it is hypothesized to regulate the expression of PSMB8. Mechanisms of regulation could include transcriptional interference, where the act of transcribing PSMB8-AS1 physically blocks or alters the transcription of PSMB8. Alternatively, PSMB8-AS1 could act as a scaffold, recruiting proteins or other RNA molecules to the PSMB8 locus, thus influencing its expression.

Research suggests that PSMB8-AS1 may play a role in inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases, given the involvement of PSMB8 in immunoproteasome function. Dysregulation of PSMB8-AS1 expression has been observed in certain disease states, implying a potential therapeutic target. Further research is required to fully understand the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of PSMB8-AS1.