PRMTs are classified into three main types based on the type of methylation they catalyze:
PRMT3 specifically catalyzes the formation of MMA and ADMA, classifying it as a Type I PRMT. Structurally, PRMT3 contains a conserved catalytic core that binds S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), the methyl donor in the methylation reaction .
PRMT3 is involved in several critical biological processes:
PRMT3 exerts its effects primarily through the methylation of arginine residues on target proteins. This methylation can alter the protein’s function, stability, localization, and interactions with other molecules. For example, the methylation of rpS2 by PRMT3 is crucial for ribosome assembly and function .
The activity of PRMT3 is regulated at multiple levels:
PRMT3 has been implicated in various diseases, particularly cancer. Overexpression of PRMT3 has been observed in certain types of cancer, and it is thought to contribute to tumorigenesis by promoting the methylation of oncogenic proteins and altering gene expression patterns . As a result, PRMT3 is considered a potential target for therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment .