RNA component of signal recognition particle 7SL1 (RN7SL1)

The **RNA component of signal recognition particle 7SL1 (RN7SL1, commonly 7SL RNA)** is a non-coding RNA that forms the essential scaffold of the signal recognition particle (SRP) complex, which mediates the cotranslational targeting and insertion of secretory and membrane proteins into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum[1][2][4][5]. RN7SL1 facilitates hierarchical SRP assembly by binding to key proteins (SRP19, SRP54), directing the complex to newly synthesized protein chains, and ensuring their correct membrane localization. It is partially homologous to Alu elements and is highly conserved across eukaryotes and archaea[1][2][5]. Pathologically, deregulated RN7SL1 has roles in cancer (where its unshielded form in exosomes can activate innate immunity and promote tumorigenesis), infection (as a cofactor in host antiviral defense), and neurodegeneration (influencing microglial activation and neuroinflammatory signaling)[1][3]. Its central role in both cellular homeostasis and disease-associated signaling identifies it as a candidate biomarker and a putative therapeutic target, although no direct drugs currently exist[3].

Other names

7SL RNA7L1aRNSRP1SRP RNA 1RN7SLRNA, 7SL, cytoplasmic 1SRP RNA, 7SL6S RNAffs4.5S RNA

Drugs or biologics targeting RN7SL1 could modulate its immune signaling (e.g., RIG-I activation) or anti-viral cofactor activity, but there are currently no direct drugs described in the literature