Ro60-associated Y4 RNA (RNY4)

Ro60-associated Y4 RNA (RNY4) is a small, highly structured, noncoding RNA of the Y RNA family that forms part of the Ro60 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle[1][2][3]. It is found predominantly in animal cells and is known for binding to the Ro60 autoantigen protein, which is a ring-shaped RNA-binding protein. RNY4 regulates the subcellular localization and accumulation of Ro60[2], modulates RNA surveillance by controlling access of other RNAs to Ro60, and participates in specialized ribonucleoprotein complexes by tethering Ro60 to other effector proteins[1][2]. Beyond its role as a Ro60 ligand and modulator, RNY4 (like other Y RNAs) is *functionally required for the initiation of chromosomal DNA replication* in vertebrate cells[3]. RNY4 (and other Y RNAs) are also of clinical significance as autoantigenic targets in systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome, and are overexpressed in some human tumors[1][3]. RNY4 is not itself a druggable therapeutic target (such as a receptor or enzyme) but rather a regulatory noncoding RNA essential for cellular homeostasis and with links to disease pathology.

Other names

hY4HY4Y4RNA, Ro-associated Y4RNA, Y4 small cytoplasmic (associated with Ro protein)RNY4