INSR and cancer: Chr 5: Growth arrest-specific 5 has anti-tumor effects by inhibiting a number of miRNAs and lncRNAs, in part by functioning as a molecular sponge for some miRNAs. In cancer, it promotes apoptosis, inhibits proliferation, and invasion. GAS5 binds to the promoter of the insulin receptor gene and increases its expression. It directly interacts with EZH2 and also acts as a decoy for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), blocking the upregulation of gene expression by activated GR.