Y RNA

Y RNAs are a conserved family of small non-coding RNAs essential for key cellular processes. In humans, four main types (hY1, hY3, hY4, hY5) are expressed, ranging from 83 to 112 nucleotides in length. They possess a characteristic stem-loop structure and predominantly bind to the Ro60 and La proteins, forming ribonucleoprotein complexes involved in RNA quality control and stability. Distinct domains within Y RNA mediate chromatin association and the initiation of chromosomal DNA replication, a function separate from their interactions with Ro60. Y RNAs also give rise to stable small fragments (ysRNAs), which are increasingly studied as disease biomarkers. Overexpression of Y RNAs or their fragments has been linked to tumorigenesis, autoimmunity (especially systemic lupus erythematosus, by being recognized by patient autoantibodies), infections, and heart disease. Despite their crucial biological roles and disease associations, Y RNAs are not classical therapeutic drug targets such as receptors, channels, or enzymes, and direct pharmacological interventions are not established[1][2][3][4][6].

Other names

hY1 RNAhY3 RNAhY4 RNAhY5 RNARo-associated Y RNAY1, Y3, Y4, Y5 (for human subtypes)