Small Cajal body-specific RNA 12 (SCARNA12)

Small Cajal body-specific RNA 12 (SCARNA12), also known as U89, is a non-coding RNA that localizes to Cajal bodies within the nucleus and is classified as both an H/ACA box and C/D box small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA)[1][2][3]. SCARNA12 is processed from the intronic region of the PHB2 gene on chromosome 12p13.31 and is approximately 270 nucleotides in length[1]. Its canonical molecular function is to guide the pseudouridylation of the U5 small nuclear RNA (snRNA), specifically at residue U46[1]. SCARNA12 is upregulated in several cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and bladder cancer (BLCA), where it is associated with enhanced cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and increased tumor aggressiveness[1][2]. Mechanistically, SCARNA12 promotes malignancy in CRC via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway[1], and in BLCA, it modulates extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling—partly through interaction with the transcription factor H2AFZ—which may influence epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer progression[2]. It has emerging roles as a diagnostic biomarker for these malignancies, showing potential prognostic utility[1][2]. SCARNA12 is not currently known as a direct target for pharmacological agents, nor are there approved or established drugs that directly interact with or modulate its function, and its safety or therapeutic targeting challenges have not been defined in the literature to date[1][2][3].

Other names

U89U89 small nuclear RNAU89 RNASCARNA12