UTP14A small subunit processome component (UTP14A)

UTP14A small subunit processome component, commonly abbreviated as UTP14A, is an essential nucleolar protein involved in ribosome biogenesis through its role in the small subunit (SSU) processome, where it associates with the U3 small nucleolar RNA to mediate 18S rRNA processing[1][2][4]. UTP14A acts as a nucleolar stress sensor, regulating the stability of p53 by promoting its proteasome-dependent degradation and thereby influencing cell cycle progression and apoptosis in response to altered ribosome assembly[1][2]. Overexpression of UTP14A has oncogenic implications, including destabilization of the tumor suppressor p53, stabilization of c-Myc via a deubiquitinase-dependent mechanism, and enhancement of tumor-promoting factors such as PDGFA, contributing to tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis[2]. UTP14A is implicated in multiple cancers and serves as a potential prognostic biomarker due to its elevated expression in tumor tissue and association with poor clinical outcomes[2]. No drugs directly targeting UTP14A have been reported, and its essential cellular role poses challenges for therapeutic development.

Other names

Human U3 protein 14A (hUTP14A)U3 small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein, homolog A (yeast)SDCCAG16