U8 small nucleolar RNA

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U8 small nucleolar RNA
Template:Abbreviation
Type: Gene; snRNA; guide; CD-box;
2° structure: Published; PubMed
Seed alignment: Griffiths-Jones SR
Avg length: 133.8 nucleotides
Avg identity: 60%

U8 small nucleolar RNA (also known as SNORD118) is the RNA component of a small RNA:protein complex (the U8 snoRNP) which is required for biogenesis of mature large subunit ribosomal RNAs, 5.8S and 28S rRNAs [1]. [2]

More specifically, U8 is a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecule which functions in the modification of other small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). This type of modifiying RNA is usually located in the nucleolus of the eukaryotic cell which is a major site of snRNA biogenesis. It is known as a small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) and also often referred to as a guide RNA.

snoRNA U8 belongs to the C/D box class of snoRNAs which contain the conserved sequence motifs known as the C box (UGAUGA) and the D box (CUGA). Most of the members of the box C/D family function in directing site-specific 2'-O-methylation of substrate RNAs[3].

U8 RNA genes have been identified in human, mouse, rat and the amphibian Xenopus laevis.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Peculis BA (1997). "The sequence of the 5' end of the U8 small nucleolar RNA is critical for 5.8S and 28S rRNA maturation". Mol. Cell. Biol. 17 (7): 3702–13. PMID 9199304. 
  2. ^ Peculis BA, DeGregorio S, McDowell K (2001). "The U8 snoRNA gene family: identification and characterization of distinct, functional U8 genes in Xenopus". Gene 274 (1-2): 83–92. PMID 11675000. 
  3. ^ Galardi, S; Fatica A, Bachi A, Scaloni A, Presutti C, Bozzoni I (2002). "Purified box C/D snoRNPs are able to reproduce site-specific 2'-O-methylation of target RNA in vitro". Mol Cell Biol 22: 6663–6668. doi:10.1128/MCB.22.19.6663-6668.2002. PMID 12215523. 

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