Vault RNA (vtRNA (also vRNA))

Vault RNA refers to a family of small, non-coding RNA molecules (typically 80–150 nucleotides) found in higher eukaryotes, transcribed by RNA polymerase III and identified as a minor component (about 5% of the mass) of the large cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein structure known as the vault complex[2][3][4][5][6]. The vault complex comprises the major vault protein (MVP), two minor proteins (VPARP and TEP1), and vault RNAs. Vault RNAs are encoded at several loci in the human genome (VTRNA1-1, VTRNA1-2, VTRNA1-3, VTRNA2-1) and are involved in regulation of cell proliferation, survival, stress response, and likely play a role in modulating cellular sensitivity to drugs by influencing vault complex function[1][5][7]. While they do not have a clear receptor, transporter, or enzymatic function, vtRNAs are increasingly studied for their roles in cell homeostasis and as potential contributors to drug resistance mechanisms in cancer[1][5][7]. Their precise biological functions are still being elucidated.

Other names

vtRNAvRNAVault-associated RNAVTRNA1-1, VTRNA1-2, VTRNA1-3, VTRNA2-1 (gene-specific names)Pre-miR-886 (for VTRNA2-1)

Not applicable: No drugs are reported to target vault RNA specifically Indirectly, vault complexes may sequester or transport drugs away from intracellular targets, contributing to drug resistance