The role of LncRNA FOXD3-AS1 in multiple human malignancies

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecules, which are over 200 nucleotides long without protein-coding potential, play crucial roles in various biological processes and the progression of tumors. Emerging evidence shows that lncRNA forkhead box D3 antisense 1 (FOXD3-AS1) is transcribed from a gene on chromosome 1p31.3, comprising six exons, and is expected to enhance the expression of specific genes. FOXD3-AS1 functions mainly by promoting cancer progression through interactions with target proteins, binding to 11 microRNAs (miRNAs), and influencing key signaling pathways such as TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/AKT. These molecular mechanisms collectively drive malignant characteristics like cell proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells. Clinical research has shown that elevated FOXD3-AS1 levels are linked to tumor volume enlargement, progression in clinical staging, increased risk of metastasis, and poor prognosis. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the functional role, molecular mechanisms, and clinical significance of FOXD3-AS1 in malignant tumors, with a focus on its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer treatment.