Abstract:
Small nucleolar RNAs(snoRNAs) is one kind of small non-coding RNAs, which is widely distributed in the nucleoli of eukaryotic nucleus. In recent years, more and more studies have proved that disorders of snoRNAs are related to cancer. snoRNAs may be involved in the occurrence and development of cancer, as suppressor genes or proto-oncogenes. Besides, snoRNAs-related imprinting genes, human telomerase and ribosomopathies could consequently contribute to carcinogenesis. In addition, snoRNAs have potential application in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. This article briefly reviews recent research progress in the features of snoRNAs and their potential application in cancer diagnosis and therapy.