U8 small nucleolar RNA

U8 small nucleolar RNA
Predicted secondary structure and sequence conservation of U8
Identifiers
Symbol U8
Alt. Symbols CeN21; CeR-2
Rfam RF00096
Other data
RNA type Gene; snRNA; snoRNA; CD-box
Domain(s) Eukaryota
GO 0005730 0006396
SO 0000593

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 modifying 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.[2]

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. PMC 232222. PMID 9199304.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 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. doi:10.1016/S0378-1119(01)00596-0. PMID 11675000.
  3. ↑ Galardi, S.; Fatica, A.; Bachi, A.; Scaloni, A.; Presutti, C.; Bozzoni, I. (October 2002). "Purified Box C/D snoRNPs Are Able to Reproduce Site-Specific 2'-O-Methylation of Target RNA in Vitro". Molecular and Cellular Biology 22 (19): 6663–6668. doi:10.1128/MCB.22.19.6663-6668.2002. PMC 134041. PMID 12215523.

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