RNAmetylaatioilla

RNAmetylaatioilla refers to the addition of a methyl group to an RNA molecule. This process is a crucial form of post-transcriptional modification that can alter the structure, function, and stability of RNA. Several different RNA bases can be methylated, with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) being the most abundant and well-studied modification in eukaryotes. Other common methylated bases include 5-methylcytosine (m5C) and 7-methylguanosine (m7G).

These modifications are not static; they are dynamically regulated by specific protein families. "Writers" are enzymes that catalyze the methylation process, such as the methyltransferase-like (METTL) proteins for m6A. "Erasers" are enzymes that remove the methyl group, like fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) and ALKBH5 for m6A. "Readers" are proteins that recognize and bind to methylated RNA, thereby mediating downstream cellular responses.

RNA methylation plays a significant role in a wide range of biological processes. For m6A, these include mRNA splicing, nuclear export, translation efficiency, and decay. It influences gene expression by affecting mRNA stability and the rate at which proteins are synthesized. Aberrant RNA methylation patterns have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic diseases, making it an active area of research for therapeutic development. Understanding the complex regulatory networks and functional consequences of RNA methylation is essential for comprehending cellular physiology and pathology.