YTHDF13

YTHDF13 is not a widely recognized gene in human genomics. As of current annotations, there is no independent entry named YTHDF13 in major databases such as NCBI Gene, Ensembl, or HGNC. In practice, the label may appear only as an informal shorthand in some datasets, or it may reflect a misannotation, a fusion construct, or a composite reference to members of the YTHDF family rather than a distinct protein.

The YTHDF family comprises three closely related cytoplasmic proteins—YTHDF1, YTHDF2, and YTHDF3—that read N6-methyladenosine (m6A) marks on messenger RNAs. They share a conserved YTH domain responsible for recognizing m6A-modified RNA and participate in post-transcriptional gene regulation by influencing RNA stability and translation.

Functional distinctions among YTHDF1–3 have been described. YTHDF1 generally promotes translation by enhancing ribosome recruitment; YTHDF2 accelerates decay of methylated transcripts; YTHDF3 can cooperate with both YTHDF1 and YTHDF2 to modulate translation and decay, depending on context and interacting partners. Localization is predominantly cytoplasmic, though interactions with processing bodies and other RNA granules have been reported.

Biological significance of YTHDF-mediated m6A reading includes embryonic development, stem cell differentiation, immune responses, and influences on viral replication and cancer biology. Dysregulation of YTHDF function can alter gene expression programs and cellular phenotypes.

When encountering the term YTHDF13, it is advisable to verify the source and context and to consider that it may not represent a validated, standalone gene. Rely on established YTHDF1–3 entries for experimental design and interpretation.

See also: m6A methylation; YTH domain family; YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3.