Small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4)

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that acts as a host gene for small nucleolar RNAs, with its introns typically processed into snoRNAs and its exons recombined to participate in cytoplasmic or nuclear regulatory functions[2]. SNHG4 is predominantly located in the nucleus and is implicated in the regulation of RNA splicing, RNA processing, ribosome biogenesis, and cell cycle control[1][2]. It is frequently upregulated in multiple cancers, notably hepatocellular carcinoma and endometrial cancer, where its expression correlates with tumor progression, increased cell proliferation, invasion, poor prognosis, and lower overall survival rates[1][2]. Mechanistically, SNHG4 influences cellular signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK, mTOR, and EMT-related signaling, often acting via interactions with microRNAs (e.g., miR-154, miR-206) and transcription factors such as SP-1[1][2]. SNHG4 is being investigated as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in oncology, though direct pharmacologic modulators or drugs targeting SNHG4 have not yet been established in clinical practice[1][2].

Other names

U19HNCRNA00059non-protein coding RNA 59U19 hostsmall nucleolar RNA host gene (non-protein coding) 4