Small Cajal body-specific RNA 22 (SCARNA22)

Small Cajal body-specific RNA 22 (SCARNA22), also known as ACA11, is a member of the non-coding small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) of the H/ACA box class that localizes specifically to Cajal bodies, nuclear organelles involved in the maturation and modification of spliceosomal RNAs[1][3]. SCARNA22 functions mainly as a guide RNA, directing site-specific pseudouridylation (conversion of uridine to pseudouridine) in RNA polymerase II-transcribed spliceosomal RNAs, which is critical for their proper function[2][3][6]. It is encoded within intron 18 of the WHSC1/MMSET gene and is notable for being upregulated in multiple myelomas carrying the t(4;14) chromosomal translocation, where its overexpression is implicated in modulating oxidative stress and promoting cell proliferation, potentially conferring resistance to chemotherapeutic agents[1]. SCARNA22 has also been associated with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and prostate cancer progression[1]. No direct therapies or pharmacological agents are known to target SCARNA22, and it is not regarded as a therapeutic target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but serves as a functional and diagnostic RNA biomarker in certain disease contexts[1].

Other names

ACA11ACA11 snoRNASCARNA22small Cajal body-specific RNA 22