SMG6 nonsense mediated mRNA decay factor (SMG6)

SMG6 is a conserved mammalian endonuclease and RNA surveillance factor that regulates gene expression and genome stability through two key pathways: nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and telomere maintenance[1][2][3][4][5][7]. As an endonuclease, SMG6 cleaves defective mRNAs containing premature stop codons, preventing expression of truncated proteins. It is also a telomerase-associated factor (EST1A), essential for proper telomere replication and chromosome stability—its disruption leads to telomere shortening and cell cycle defects. SMG6 is broadly expressed and contributes to embryonic stem cell differentiation and neurogenesis, with important roles in cancer and cardiovascular disease[3][5][7]. Note on SMG6-AS1: There is currently no high-confidence data describing "SMG6 antisense RNA 1" (SMG6-AS1) as a validated molecular target, therapeutic or otherwise, nor is it listed in major gene/protein databases. It is likely a predicted lncRNA or antisense transcript whose function remains to be fully characterized. The canonical gene/protein target in this region is SMG6.

Other names

SMG6C17orf31EST1-like protein AEST1AEver shorter telomeres 1AKIAA0732

Not applicable; no directly interacting drugs reported. SMG6 itself functions via endonucleolytic cleavage of mRNAs containing premature stop codons by the PIN domain, and interaction with telomerase complexes to maintain telomere ends.