Small nucleolar RNA SNORA73 (SNORA73)

Small nucleolar RNA SNORA73 (also known as U17 or TAG-snoRNA) is a highly abundant H/ACA-box small nucleolar RNA involved primarily in two major roles. First, it is essential for the maturation of 18S ribosomal RNA by guiding the cleavage of pre-rRNA in the nucleolus, a fundamental step in ribosome biogenesis essential for cell viability[2][1]. Second, SNORA73 functions as a "molecular glue," binding specific mRNAs encoding secreted or membrane proteins and the 7SL RNA component of the signal recognition particle (SRP), thereby facilitating translocation of these proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum for secretion[2][4][6][8]. SNORA73's dual-conserved domains mediate these interactions, increasing the efficiency of protein secretion in cells. While this unique targeting function has prompted research into its potential biotechnological applications, SNORA73 itself is not currently a recognized therapeutic target—rather, it represents a regulatory, non-protein-coding RNA essential for basic cellular processes[4][6]. Context and Summary of Findings: - SNORA73/U17 is *not* a protein, enzyme, or classical "drug target" but a non-coding RNA required for ribosome biogenesis and certain mRNA trafficking events[2][1][7]. - The SNORA73 family includes two near-identical copies in humans (SNORA73A, SNORA73B), encoded within SNHG3 gene introns[2]. - Its "therapeutic target" potential is theoretical: experimental manipulation of SNORA73 activity or binding motifs can modulate protein secretion in cells, but there are no drugs or inhibitors directly targeting SNORA73 to date[4][6][8]. - The canonical function places it in the H/ACA-box class of snoRNAs, distinguished by their role in RNA pseudouridylation and association with ribonucleoprotein enzymes[1][5]. - There are no known biomarker, safety, or direct clinical applications specific to SNORA73 as of current knowledge.

Other names

U17U17/E1 RNATAG-snoRNASNORA73ASNORA73BLOC124901521