Noc2l, also known as NOC2 like nucleolar associated transcriptional repressor, is a novel inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase (INHAT). It has two INHAT function domains and regulates histone acetylation in a histone deacetylases (HDAC)-independent manner, distinct from other INHATs. Noc2l is involved in various biological processes such as P53-mediated transcription, ribosome RNA processing, certain development events, and is associated with diseases like cancer [1].

In cervical cancer, lncRNA NOC2L-4.1 functions as a tumor oncogene by regulating the miR-630/YAP1 pathway. Down-regulation of lncRNA NOC2L-4.1 suppresses cervical cancer cell migration and proliferation [2]. In ovarian cancer, NOC2L promotes paclitaxel resistance by decreasing NDUFA4 through histone acetylation suppression, remodeling energy metabolism towards aerobic glycolysis [3]. In preeclampsia, lncRNA FEZF1-AS1 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in placental trophoblast cells through the ELAVL1/NOC2L axis. Down-regulation of NOC2L in placental tissues of preeclampsia patients leads to decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis [4]. A genome-wide meta-analysis identified rs13303010 at 1p36.33 (NOC2L) as a new susceptibility locus for pancreatic cancer, and expression quantitative trait locus analysis provided molecular support of NOC2L as a pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene [5]. In epidermis development, Nir (Noc2l) is a key regulator. Nir-deficient epidermis shows impaired stratification, lack of appendages, inhibited cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and p53 acetylation [6]. Gene Ontology and bioinformatic analyses suggest that NOC2L may have dual roles in cancer, with over-expression promoting tumor growth and reduced expression exerting tumor-suppressive effects, related to its role in rRNA processing [7].

In conclusion, Noc2l is involved in multiple biological functions, especially in histone acetylation regulation. Its dysregulation is associated with various diseases including cervical, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, as well as preeclampsia. The study of Noc2l in different disease models helps to understand its role in disease development, providing potential directions for biomarker exploration and therapeutic target development.