The role of OncoSnoRNAs and Ribosomal RNA 2'-O-methylation in Cancer

Ribosomes are essential nanomachines responsible for all protein production in cells. Ribosome biogenesis and function are energy costly processes, they are tightly regulated to match cellular needs. In cancer, major pathways that control ribosome biogenesis and function are often deregulated to ensure cell survival and to accommodate the continuous proliferation of tumour cells. Ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are abundantly modified with 2'-O-methylation (Nm, ribomethylation) being one of the most common modifications. In eukaryotic ribosomes, ribomethylation is performed by the methyltransferase Fibrillarin guided by box C/D small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Accumulating evidences indicate that snoRNA expression and ribosome methylation profiles are altered in cancer. Here we review our current knowledge on differential snoRNA expression and rRNA 2MODIFIER LETTER PRIME-O methylation in the context of human malignancies, and discuss the consequences and opportunities for cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics.

Automated summary

Ribosomes are crucial nanomachines responsible for protein production, and in cancer, pathways controlling ribosome biogenesis and function are often deregulated. Ribosomal RNAs undergo abundant modifications, and snoRNA expression and ribosome methylation profiles are altered in cancer.