Expression of SnoRNA U50A Is Associated with Better Prognosis and Prolonged Mitosis in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs generally recognized as housekeeping genes. Genomic analysis has shown that snoRNA U50A (U50A) is a candidate tumor suppressor gene deleted in less than 10% of breast cancer patients. To date, the pathological roles of U50A in cancer, including its clinical significance and its regulatory impact at the molecular level, are not well-defined. Here, we quantified the copy number of U50A in human breast cancer tissues. Our results showed that the U50A expression level is correlated with better prognosis in breast cancer patients. Utilizing RNA-sequencing for transcriptomic analysis, we revealed that U50A downregulates mitosis-related genes leading to arrested cancer cell mitosis and suppressed colony-forming ability. Moreover, in support of the impacts of U50A in prolonging mitosis and inhibiting clonogenic activity, breast cancer tissues with higher U50A expression exhibit accumulated mitotic tumor cells. In conclusion, based on the evidence from U50A-downregulated mitosis-related genes, prolonged mitosis, repressed colony-forming ability, and clinical analyses, we demonstrated molecular insights into the pathological impact of snoRNA U50A in human breast cancer.

Small Nucleolar RNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Finally, we included a total of 49 studies in our qualitative synthesis, with 21 studies focused on diagnosis, 9 – 29 and 41 studies focused on prognosis. 11 , 13 – 15 , 17 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 30 – 56 Figure 1 provided detailing information about the selection process, which based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) standards.…”

SNORA38B promotes proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gallbladder cancer cells <em>via</em> activating TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling

“…21,22 For example, snoRNA U50A was related to the prognosis of breast cancer. 22 Deficiency of SNORA65, SNORA7A, or SNORA71A could enhance colorectal cancer cell growth. 13 SNORD17 could contribute to HCC progression via inhibiting p53 signaling.…”

“…hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC and breast cancer). 21 , 22 For example, snoRNA U50A was related to the prognosis of breast cancer. 22 Deficiency of SNORA65, SNORA7A, or SNORA7B could suppress lung cancer cell proliferation.…”

“… 21 , 22 For example, snoRNA U50A was related to the prognosis of breast cancer. 22 Deficiency of SNORA65, SNORA7A, or SNORA7B could suppress lung cancer cell proliferation. 23 SNORA71A could enhance colorectal cancer cell growth.…”

Nucleic Acids in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

“…Le et al comprehensively summarized and introduced various types of non-coding RNAs and their clinical applications in lung cancer [ 17 ]. Furthermore, the significant role of recently highlighted non-coding RNAs, including small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), were investigated in breast cancer and oral cancer [ 18 , 19 ]. In addition, it is shown in this Special Issue that not only non-coding RNAs but also coding RNAs, including NOTCH1 mRNA, are notable prognostic markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) [ 20 ].…”