Mettl14

Definition

METTL14 is a methyltransferase enzyme that plays a critical role in the methylation of RNA, specifically in the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification process. This modification is essential for various post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, including RNA stability, splicing, translation, and degradation. METTL14 works alongside other components in the methyltransferase complex to add a methyl group to the adenine residues of RNA, impacting gene expression and cellular function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. METTL14 forms a complex with METTL3, another methyltransferase, to efficiently catalyze the m6A modification on RNA.
2. The presence of m6A marks is associated with increased RNA stability and can influence the localization and translation efficiency of mRNA.
3. Alterations in METTL14 activity have been linked to various diseases, including cancer, highlighting its importance in maintaining proper cellular functions.
4. In addition to mRNA, METTL14 can also modify other RNA species like long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), affecting their biological roles.
5. Research shows that METTL14's activity is regulated by multiple factors, including cellular stress and signaling pathways, indicating its role in adapting to environmental changes.

Review Questions

• How does METTL14 contribute to the process of m6A modification in RNA, and what are its implications for gene expression?
  • METTL14 plays a vital role in the m6A modification process by working alongside METTL3 within a methyltransferase complex. This modification is crucial because it regulates various aspects of gene expression, such as mRNA stability and translation efficiency. By adding methyl groups to adenine residues, METTL14 influences how RNA interacts with binding proteins and other factors involved in post-transcriptional regulation.
• Discuss the significance of METTL14 in relation to disease mechanisms and its potential as a therapeutic target.
  • METTL14's involvement in m6A modification connects it to various disease mechanisms, particularly in cancer where its dysregulation can lead to altered gene expression patterns. Targeting METTL14 may provide new therapeutic opportunities by restoring normal RNA modifications and cellular functions. Understanding how METTL14 contributes to disease can help develop treatments that specifically address these dysregulated processes.
• Evaluate how environmental factors influence METTL14 activity and subsequently affect RNA metabolism and cellular responses.
  • Environmental factors such as nutrient availability or stress signals can modulate METTL14 activity, which in turn affects RNA metabolism. For instance, changes in signaling pathways may lead to increased or decreased methylation of specific RNAs, impacting their stability and translational efficiency. By evaluating these interactions, researchers can gain insights into how cells adapt their gene expression profiles in response to changing conditions, highlighting the dynamic nature of RNA regulation through modifications like those mediated by METTL14.

Related terms

N6-methyladenosine (m6A): A common and dynamic mRNA modification that involves the addition of a methyl group to the nitrogen at position six of the adenine nucleotide, influencing RNA metabolism.

Methyltransferase complex: A group of proteins that work together to transfer methyl groups to various substrates, including RNA molecules, playing a key role in gene regulation.

RNA binding proteins: Proteins that bind to RNA molecules and regulate their functions, including stability and translation, often interacting with modified RNAs such as m6A.