Naturally occurring modified ribonucleosides

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Modified ribonucleosides, discovered in 1951, are prevalent across all life domains, impacting RNA structure and function.
• These modifications range from simple methylations to complex glycosylations and exist in various RNA types, including transfer, ribosomal, messenger, and noncoding RNAs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the 143 known modified ribonucleosides.
• To detail their taxonomic distributions, the enzymes responsible for their synthesis, and their roles in cellular processes, RNA structure, and human diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing data on modified ribonucleosides.
• Categorization of modifications based on chemical structure, taxonomic distribution, and functional implications.

Main Results:

• Characterization of 143 distinct modified ribonucleosides, detailing their presence across different organisms and RNA types.
• Identification of enzymes involved in generating these modifications and their link to cellular functions.
• Association of aberrant RNA modifications with human diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders.

Conclusions:

• Modified ribonucleosides play critical roles in cellular processes, RNA structure, and organismal viability.
• Understanding these modifications is essential for comprehending human health and disease.
• Ongoing research focuses on identifying novel modifications and their specific roles in various RNA molecules.