Long non-coding RNA GAS6-AS1 and its molecular mechanisms in human cancer (Review)

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and tumor progression. Growth arrest specific 6-antisense RNA 1 (GAS6-AS1), a novel lncRNA located antisense to the GAS6 gene, has been increasingly recognized as an important regulator in multiple cancers. Emerging evidence demonstrates that GAS6-AS1 participates in tumor initiation and progression by functioning as a competitive endogenous RNA that modulates microRNA activity, regulates downstream target genes, and influences key signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin and AXL signaling. Through these mechanisms, GAS6-AS1 affects cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, metabolic reprogramming and chemoresistance. GAS6-AS1 exhibits context-dependent functions across different cancer types. GAS6-AS1 predominantly functions as an oncogenic lncRNA in multiple cancers, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, glioma, gastric cancer, renal cell carcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia. In contrast, GAS6-AS1 has been reported to exert tumor-suppressive effects in lung adenocarcinoma. Abnormal expression of GAS6-AS1 is closely associated with tumor progression, metastasis and patient prognosis, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as well as a therapeutic target. Overall, GAS6-AS1 represents a promising molecule for understanding cancer pathogenesis and developing novel strategies for precision cancer diagnosis and treatment, although further clinical validation and mechanistic studies are still required.