Small but strong: Pivotal roles and potential applications of snoRNAs in hematopoietic malignancies

Abstract

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) belong to a family of noncoding RNAs that are 60-300 nucleotides in length, and they are classified into two classes according to their structure and function: C/D box snoRNAs, playing an essential role in 2’-O-methylation modification on ribosomal RNA; H/ACA box snoRNAs, involved in the pseudouridylation of rRNA. SnoRNAs with unclear functions, no predictable targets, and unusual subcellular locations are called orphan snoRNAs. Recent studies have revealed abnormal expression and demonstrated the pivotal roles of snoRNAs and their host genes in various types of hematological malignancies. This review discusses recent discoveries concerning snoRNAs in a variety of hematological malignancies, including multiple myeloma, lymphoma and leukemia, and sheds light on the application of snoRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as therapeutic targets of hematological malignancies in the future.