Nucleolar protein 16 (NOP16) (NOP16)

Nucleolar protein 16 (NOP16) is a highly conserved protein localized within the nucleolus, where it plays an essential role in the biogenesis of the 60S ribosomal subunit (UniProt Q9Y3C1). It is recognized as an oncogene that is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, where its high expression correlates with increased cell proliferation and poor clinical prognosis (PMID: 28656233). NOP16 expression is often driven by key oncogenic transcription factors such as c-Myc and is also regulated by estrogen receptor signaling in hormone-dependent tissues (PMID: 11719445, PMID: 15592448). Mechanistically, NOP16 facilitates the processing of pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA), a critical step for maintaining the high protein synthesis rates required by rapidly dividing cancer cells. Experimental depletion of NOP16 mRNA or protein has been shown to trigger nucleolar stress, stabilize the p53 tumor suppressor, and induce apoptosis, making it a promising therapeutic target (PMID: 25670011). While no small-molecule inhibitors are currently approved for clinical use, NOP16 is a target of interest for RNA-based therapies, such as antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA, aimed at selectively disrupting the translational machinery of tumor cells.

Other names

HSPC185Nucleolar protein 16 homologHypothetical protein HSPC185

Inhibition of NOP16 expression via RNA interference or antisense oligonucleotides leads to the disruption of ribosome biogenesis, induction of nucleolar stress, and activation of p53-dependent apoptosis.