Virma

VIRMA, also known as KIAA1429, is a human RNA-binding protein that acts as a regulatory subunit of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase complex, the writer responsible for installing m6A on RNA. The m6A modification influences RNA metabolism, including splicing, export, stability, and translation.

VIRMA forms part of the core m6A writer together with METTL3 and METTL14 and associates with WTAP and other factors such as RBM15 and ZC3H13. It is thought to guide the methyltransferase complex to specific regions of target transcripts, particularly toward 3' end regions, thereby shaping site selection and methylation efficiency. The complex acts on various RNA species, including messenger RNA and long noncoding RNA.

VIRMA is expressed in multiple tissues and during development, with activity regulated by complex formation and cellular context. Disruption of VIRMA or alterations in its expression can alter m6A deposition patterns, with downstream effects on RNA fate and cell function.

In research, VIRMA has been linked to processes such as development, stem cell maintenance, and cancer progression, reflecting the broader role of m6A modification in gene expression control. Evidence from cell and animal studies suggests that changes in VIRMA levels can affect proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism, though the precise mechanisms remain under investigation.

VIRMA is conserved across eukaryotes and has homologs in many species, indicating an essential role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. In humans, the gene is annotated as VIRMA and is also referred to as KIAA1429.