28S ribosomal RNA-derived small RNA (rsRNA-28S)

28S ribosomal RNA-derived small RNA (rsRNA-28S) is a functional small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) produced by the site-specific cleavage of 28S ribosomal RNA [1, 3]. While once dismissed as random degradation products, rsRNAs like rsRNA-28S are now recognized as critical regulators of gene expression that operate through mechanisms similar to microRNAs (miRNAs) [1, 9]. rsRNA-28S typically binds to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target messenger RNAs, such as prostaglandin I2 synthase (PTGIS), to suppress their translation and modulate cellular pathways [3, 4]. In clinical contexts, rsRNA-28S is significantly involved in cancer progression and the development of chemoresistance; for instance, its downregulation has been linked to increased resistance to paclitaxel and docetaxel in prostate cancer [1, 3]. Additionally, it plays roles in embryonic stem cell differentiation and the regulation of inflammatory responses [2, 11]. Due to its stability in circulation, rsRNA-28S is being explored as a non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for various malignancies, including prostate cancer and acute myeloid leukemia [8, 11]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this molecule primarily involve the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to modulate its activity and potentially restore drug sensitivity in cancer patients [3, 4].

Other names

28S rRNA-derived small RNA28S rRNA-derived fragment28S rRF28s5-rtsRNArRNA-derived small RNA 28S

rsRNA-28S functions as a post-transcriptional regulator by binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs, such as PTGIS, to inhibit their translation or induce mRNA degradation, similar to the mechanism of microRNAs.