Objective: Perform a systematic literature review on SNORA42 in carcinogenesis in order to elucidate its importance, its potential use as a biomarker and as a therapeutic target.
Methods: Using PubMed, SciELO and Science Direct databases as search means, articles that are in line with the scope of the study, written in English, that were published between 2012 and 2022, were selected using the following keywords: "small nucleolar RNA 42", "snoRNA 42" and "SNORA42", as well as searches for the synonyms of this snoRNA (SNORA80E, box H/ACA 42 and ACA42).
Result: From a total of 131 studies, seven were selected, in which it was possible to identify that SNORA42 interferes in several biological processes, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and signaling pathways. Among the signaling pathways, the p53 and NF-KappaB pathways stand out. Moreover, it is a potential biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer.
Conclusion: The summary of the main information about SNORA42 in the process of carcinogenesis and cancer progression shows that the use of this snoRNA is ideal for future applications in the field of oncology, in which it can be used as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Thus, it is of fundamental importance to carry out new studies to consolidate the applicability of this molecule.
Keywords: Biomarker; malignant neoplasms; snoRNA.