Pseudouridylated

Pseudouridylated refers to a modified form of uridine, one of the four nucleobases in RNA. Normally, uridine has its nitrogen atom at position 1 linked to the sugar molecule. In pseudouridine, this linkage occurs at carbon atom 5 of the uracil base. This structural difference is significant and leads to altered properties of the RNA molecule. The modification is catalyzed by enzymes called pseudouridine synthases. Pseudouridylation is a common post-transcriptional modification found in various types of RNA, including transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA). It is particularly abundant in tRNA and rRNA, where it plays crucial roles in maintaining the structural integrity and stability of these molecules. In tRNA, pseudouridine modifications contribute to proper folding and the recognition of codons during translation. In rRNA, they are important for the assembly and function of ribosomes. Pseudouridylation of mRNA has also gained attention, with evidence suggesting it can influence mRNA stability, translation efficiency, and even play a role in innate immune responses. The presence and location of pseudouridine modifications can vary across different species and cellular contexts.