Mettl3

Definition

METTL3 (Methyltransferase-like 3) is an enzyme that plays a critical role in RNA methylation, specifically by adding a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine residues in messenger RNA (mRNA). This modification, known as m6A methylation, is a key post-transcriptional modification that influences RNA stability, splicing, translation, and degradation, significantly impacting gene expression and cellular function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. METTL3 is part of a complex that includes METTL14, which together are responsible for m6A methylation in mRNA.
2. The addition of the m6A mark by METTL3 can enhance or inhibit the binding of specific RNA-binding proteins, affecting gene expression.
3. m6A modifications have been linked to various biological processes including embryonic development, cell differentiation, and response to environmental signals.
4. Alterations in METTL3 activity have been associated with several diseases, including cancer, where aberrant m6A methylation patterns can disrupt normal gene regulation.
5. Research indicates that METTL3's influence on mRNA fate can affect protein synthesis rates, influencing cellular responses and overall homeostasis.

Review Questions

• How does METTL3 influence the stability and translation of mRNA through its role in m6A methylation?
  • METTL3 adds a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine residues in mRNA, creating the m6A modification. This modification can enhance the stability of certain mRNAs while promoting degradation of others. Additionally, the presence of m6A can alter how RNA-binding proteins interact with the mRNA, influencing translation efficiency and determining which proteins are synthesized in response to various cellular signals.
• Discuss the implications of altered METTL3 activity in relation to disease mechanisms, particularly in cancer.
  • Altered METTL3 activity can lead to dysregulated m6A methylation patterns, which may contribute to cancer progression. In many cancers, abnormal levels of METTL3 have been observed, impacting gene expression related to cell growth and survival. This dysregulation can promote oncogenic pathways or inhibit tumor suppressor genes, highlighting the significance of METTL3 as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
• Evaluate how METTL3's interaction with RNA-binding proteins can affect cellular processes during development and differentiation.
  • METTL3's role in adding m6A modifications to RNA can significantly influence cellular processes like development and differentiation. By modifying specific mRNAs, it can regulate their stability and translational efficiency, guiding cells toward particular fates during embryogenesis or tissue repair. The interaction between METTL3-modified mRNAs and various RNA-binding proteins orchestrates the timing and extent of protein synthesis necessary for proper developmental cues and responses to environmental changes.

Related terms

m6A methylation: A common RNA modification where a methyl group is added to the N6 position of adenosine in RNA molecules, influencing various aspects of RNA metabolism.

RNA-binding proteins: Proteins that interact with RNA molecules to regulate their stability, translation, and splicing, often influenced by m6A modifications.

demethylases: Enzymes that remove methyl groups from RNA, counteracting the effects of methylation and playing a role in regulating mRNA dynamics.