SnoRNAs and SNHGs in bone development, homeostasis, and disease.

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) guide ribosomal RNA modification and regulate broader RNA-based programs, whereas snoRNA host gene-derived long non-coding RNAs, including SNHG-family transcripts, participate in post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation. This review synthesizes evidence from skeletal stem/progenitor cells, osteoblast- and osteoclast-lineage models, chondrocytes, bone tumor systems, patient samples, and extracellular vesicle or circulating RNA studies to define how snoRNAs and SNHGs shape bone development, remodeling, and disease. Across osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, bone tumors, and fracture healing, these RNAs influence osteogenic differentiation, osteoclastogenesis, cartilage homeostasis, tumor progression, repair responses, and intercellular communication through ribosome-associated control, ceRNA networks, transcript stability, and chromatin- or protein-associated mechanisms. We also discuss their potential as biomarkers and RNA-targeted therapeutic candidates, together with challenges in annotation, functional validation, delivery, and clinical translation. This framework highlights snoRNAs and SNHGs as regulatory components of skeletal biology and disease.