SnoRNA and SNHG in Bladder Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Significance

This review summarizes current data on the role of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and their host genes (SNHGs) in the development of bladder cancer (BC). It examines snoRNA biogenesis, classical functions (rRNA modification), and non-canonical oncogenic mechanisms, including microRNA sponging, sdRNA production, and protein interactions (EZH2, DNMT3A, hnRNPK). The factors involved in the deregulation of snoRNA/SNHG expression during tumour transformation are described, such as amplifications, epigenetic changes, and transcriptional control (c-Myc, p53). Studies have shown that in BC, the majority of snoRNAs/SNHGs (SNHG1, SNHG3, SNHG6, SNHG13, SCARNA12) act as oncogenes, activating the PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and c-Myc pathways, thereby enhancing proliferation, EMT, invasion, and metastasis. Suppressor molecules (SNHG2/GAS5) are also discussed. The clinical potential of snoRNAs as prognostic signatures (SNORS), diagnostic biomarkers (SNHG1 in urine), and therapeutic targets (e.g., SNHG3) is analyzed. Thus, snoRNAs and SNHGs represent a promising class of molecules for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for BC, although further investigation in prospective studies is required.