YTHDF1

YTHDF1, or YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1, is a human protein encoded by the YTHDF1 gene. It is a cytoplasmic reader of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), one of the most common RNA methylation marks, and is a member of the YTH domain-containing family (YTHDF1–3). By binding to m6A-modified transcripts, YTHDF1 influences the post-transcriptional fate of these RNAs.

YTHDF1 recognizes m6A through a conserved YTH domain located in its C-terminal region. Upon binding, it promotes translation of the methylated mRNA by facilitating recruitment of the translation machinery, including initiation factors such as eIF3. This activity tends to enhance protein production from m6A-marked transcripts. YTHDF3 can cooperate with YTHDF1 to regulate translation, while other family members like YTHDF2 are more commonly associated with mRNA decay.

Biological roles of YTHDF1 include broad regulation of gene expression that affects development, cell proliferation, and differentiation. It has also been implicated in immune responses and cancer, where the activity of YTHDF1 can influence processes such as antigen presentation and tumor progression, depending on cellular context and signaling environment.

Structure and localization: YTHDF1 contains an N-terminal region with low-complexity sequences and a C-terminal YTH domain responsible for m6A recognition. The protein is predominantly cytoplasmic and associates with translating ribosomes to modulate the synthesis of target proteins.