The TRDMT1 gene is located on chromosome 10 in humans and is highly conserved across different species. The protein encoded by this gene is similar in sequence and structure to DNA cytosine methyltransferases, but it has a distinct function. Unlike typical DNA methyltransferases, TRDMT1 primarily targets RNA rather than DNA .
TRDMT1 is responsible for the methylation of cytosine residues in tRNA, which is essential for the proper functioning of tRNA molecules. This methylation process is crucial for the stability and proper folding of tRNA, which in turn affects protein synthesis. The enzyme has higher activity on tRNA (Asp) that is modified with queuosine at position 34 .
Mutations or dysregulation of the TRDMT1 gene have been associated with various diseases, including diffuse alopecia areata and trigonitis. The enzyme’s role in RNA methylation also implicates it in the recognition of DNA damage, DNA recombination, and mutation repair through both DNA and RNA methylation pathways .
Human recombinant TRDMT1 is widely used in research to study RNA methylation and its effects on cellular processes. Understanding the function and regulation of this enzyme can provide insights into the mechanisms of gene expression and the development of certain diseases. Additionally, TRDMT1 is a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating RNA methylation in disease contexts .