7SK small nuclear RNA (7SK)

7SK small nuclear RNA (7SK, also known as 7SK RNA or 7SK snRNA) is a highly abundant and conserved non-coding RNA found in metazoan cells, primarily localized in the nucleus[1][3][5]. It is transcribed by RNA polymerase III and exists as a 331–334 nucleotide long molecule in humans, forming the core scaffold of the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex[1][5]. The canonical function of 7SK is to regulate RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription by sequestering and inhibiting the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), through binding with specific protein partners such as HEXIM1/2, LARP7, and MePCE[1][3][4][5]. This inhibition controls transcriptional elongation, promoter-proximal pausing, and helps maintain proper gene expression homeostasis. Recent research reveals that 7SK also modulates transcription at enhancer elements, associates with chromatin-remodeling complexes (e.g., BAF), and prevents DNA damage at super enhancers[2]. Dysregulation of the 7SK RNP complex is implicated in human diseases, including cancer, heart disease, developmental disorders, and viral infections such as HIV, where P-TEFb regulation is critical[5]. However, as 7SK RNA is not a protein, enzyme, classical receptor, transporter, or traditional drug target but rather a regulatory non-coding RNA, it is not typically considered a direct therapeutic target.

Other names

7SK RNA7SK snRNAsnRNA 7SK