RNA Methyltransferase Like 1 (METTL1) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the post-transcriptional modification of RNA. It is responsible for the methylation of RNA molecules, specifically the N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification on tRNA. This modification is essential for the proper functioning of tRNA, influencing its stability and the efficiency of protein synthesis.
METTL1, along with its cofactor WDR4, forms a complex that catalyzes the m7G modification on tRNA. This modification is critical for the proper folding and structural stability of tRNA, which in turn affects the overall efficiency of protein synthesis. The m7G modification is also involved in the regulation of gene expression and has been linked to various cellular processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation.
Recent studies have highlighted the role of METTL1 in various diseases, particularly in cancer. Aberrant expression of METTL1 has been associated with the development and progression of several types of cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In AML, elevated levels of METTL1 and WDR4 have been linked to poor prognosis. Knockdown of METTL1 in AML cells has been shown to reduce cell proliferation and increase apoptosis, suggesting that METTL1 could be a potential therapeutic target for AML .
Research on METTL1 has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of RNA modification and its impact on cellular processes. In vitro assays for RNA methyltransferase activity have been developed to study the target specificity, catalytic activity, and function of METTL1 and other RNA methyltransferases . These assays are essential for understanding the role of RNA modifications in health and disease and for developing potential therapeutic strategies.