TRDMT1

TRDMT1, or tRNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1, is a member of the DNMT2 family of methyltransferases. It is found in humans and other eukaryotes, where it primarily acts as a tRNA methyltransferase rather than a DNA methyltransferase.

Biochemical activity: The enzyme transfers a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to cytosine at position 38 (m5C38) in the anticodon loop of tRNA(Asp), and may modify other tRNAs. Although related in sequence to DNA methyltransferases, its main substrate in cells is RNA.

Cellular role: tRNA m5C modification by TRDMT1 influences tRNA stability, folding, and decoding efficiency during translation. It is implicated in cellular responses to stress and in maintaining genome integrity, with effects on transposable elements in some species.

Genetics and evolution: TRDMT1 is conserved across eukaryotes and some archaea; in humans it is referred to as TRDMT1 or DNMT2-like 1. The gene encodes a protein that typically localizes to the cytoplasm and associates with ribonucleoprotein complexes.

Clinical and research notes: Altered TRDMT1 activity or expression has been studied in the context of stress tolerance, cancer, and developmental processes, and ongoing work seeks to clarify its full substrate range and regulatory mechanisms.