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Small Nucleolar RNAs as Emerging Players in Cancer Biology and Precision Medicine
1INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, 94803 Villejuif, France.
Abstract:
Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) constitute a class of non-coding RNAs traditionally associated with ribosomal RNA modification. However, recent research has revealed that these molecules participate in a wide range of cellular processes with significant implications for cancer biology. This review examines the emerging evidence on snoRNA dysregulation in various tumor types, where they can function as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors. We analyze the multiple molecular mechanisms through which snoRNAs contribute to malignant transformation, including the generation of specialized ribosomes, alternative splicing regulation, epigenetic modulation, and post-transcriptional regulatory functions. We discuss the potential of snoRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as emerging strategies for their utilization as therapeutic targets. The integration of these findings positions snoRNAs as fundamental players in oncogenesis and opens new avenues for the development of clinical tools in precision cancer medicine.
Insights
Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in cancer biology. Dysregulated snoRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, offering potential as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are non-coding RNAs primarily known for ribosomal RNA modification.
- Emerging evidence highlights their diverse roles in cellular processes beyond rRNA modification.
- Recent studies indicate significant implications of snoRNAs in cancer biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging evidence on small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) dysregulation in various cancer types.
- To analyze the molecular mechanisms by which snoRNAs contribute to malignant transformation.
- To discuss the potential of snoRNAs as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on snoRNA function in cancer.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms including ribosome biogenesis, alternative splicing, and epigenetic modulation.
- Discussion of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications of snoRNAs in oncology.
Main Results:
- Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are frequently dysregulated in various tumors.
- snoRNAs can function as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors in cancer development.
- Mechanisms include regulation of ribosome biogenesis, alternative splicing, epigenetic modifications, and post-transcriptional regulation.
Conclusions:
- Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are fundamental players in oncogenesis.
- Dysregulated snoRNAs present opportunities for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
- snoRNAs represent promising targets for novel cancer therapies and precision medicine.
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