RNA, U4 small nuclear 1 (RNU4-1)

RNA, U4 small nuclear 1 (RNU4-1) is a noncoding small nuclear RNA (snRNA) that plays a critical role as a structural and functional component of the major spliceosome, the molecular machinery responsible for the removal of introns from pre-mRNA. RNU4-1 is required for the assembly of the tri-snRNP complex (U4/U6.U5), in which it forms a duplex with U6 snRNA and participates in regulating the splicing cycle. It enables U6 snRNA binding and helps maintain proper spliceosome assembly and splicing fidelity. Variants in closely related U4 snRNA genes (such as RNU4-2) are known to cause neurodevelopmental disorders, underlining the critical nature of the U4 family's splicing functions. RNU4-1 itself has been implicated in the differential regulation of alternative splicing events and has been associated with prognosis in several cancers, though it is not currently a therapeutic target. It is classified as a small nuclear RNA and not a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or traditional "drug target" in molecular medicine[1][2][3][4][6].

Other names

RNU4ARNU4B2U4U4BLRNA, U4A small nuclearRNA, U4B2 small nuclearRNU4-1