Small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5)

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located at chromosome 6q14.3 and is 524 nucleotides in length. It serves as a host gene for specific small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs, particularly from the SNORD50 family). SNHG5 is primarily cytoplasmic but also found in the nucleus, where it regulates cellular processes by acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)—sequestering microRNAs and influencing gene expression. SNHG5 is implicated in various cancers, where its overexpression or suppression influences tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance through modulation of key pathways (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin, miRNA networks). Its roles can be context-dependent, displaying both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive effects across different tissues. No direct drugs or small molecules modulate SNHG5 clinically, but it emerges as a significant prognostic biomarker and research target in oncology.

Other names

MGC16362bA33E24.2U50HGNCRNA00044LINC00044non-protein coding RNA 44long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 44C6orf160U50 host genesmall nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (non-protein coding)SNHG5

SNHG5 acts as a molecular sponge for microRNAs (e.g., miR-26a-5p, miR-205, miR-154-5p, miR-299, miR-1179) to regulate target gene expression involved in proliferation, metastasis, EMT, and other tumorigenic processes. Through its ceRNA network function, it indirectly modulates protein-coding gene expression (e.g., GSK3β, E2F3, ZEB2, ABCC2, PCNA). It also influences pathway activation (Wnt/β-catenin, mTOR, MAPK, etc.) contributing to tumorigenesis and drug resistance.