Small nucleolar RNA SNORD18 (SNORD18)

Small nucleolar RNA SNORD18 (also called U18) is a non-coding RNA of the C/D box family, characterized by highly conserved C (UGAUGA) and D (CUGA) box sequence motifs[2][5]. It is located within the nucleolus, where it acts as a guide RNA to direct site-specific 2’-O-methylation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and some small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) during the maturation of these RNAs, a process fundamental for the assembly and function of ribosomes in all eukaryotic cells[1][2][3][5]. Human SNORD18 is present in several closely related copies (SNORD18A, SNORD18B, SNORD18C), typically found in introns of genes encoding ribosomal proteins[2]. SNORD18 is essential for the correct chemical modification of rRNA, but there is no evidence that it functions as a direct therapeutic target, nor does it have a recognized role in human disease by itself[2][4][6]. Key points: - **Small nucleolar RNA SNORD18** is a non-coding RNA, *not* a protein, receptor, enzyme, or pharmacological target. - It guides **site-specific methylation** of rRNA for ribosome function[1][2][3][5]. - Not considered a drug target and not causally associated with any human disease[2][5][6]. - No known role as a **biomarker** or safety concern. This molecule is a housekeeping RNA essential for fundamental cellular processes, but it has no direct relevance as a therapeutic drug target.

Other names

U18SNORD18ASNORD18BSNORD18CLOC124903590

Not applicable. There are no drugs known to act via this RNA, and its function is not druggable in a conventional sense.