The rRNA m⁶A methyltransferase METTL5 is involved in pluripotency and developmental programs.

ABSTRACT: Covalent chemical modifications of cellular RNAs directly impact all biological processes. However, our mechanistic understanding of the enzymes catalyzing these modifications, their substrates and biological functions, remains vague. Amongst RNA modifications N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is widespread and found in messenger (mRNA), ribosomal (rRNA), and noncoding RNAs. Here, we undertook a systematic screen to uncover new RNA methyltransferases. We demonstrate that the methyltransferase-like 5 (METTL5) protein catalyzes m⁶A in 18S rRNA at position A₁₈₃₂ We report that absence of Mettl5 in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) results in a decrease in global translation rate, spontaneous loss of pluripotency, and compromised differentiatio

SUBMITTER: Ignatova VV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7197354 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature