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Updated: Nov 22, 2025
Exploring the Arginine Methylome by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Published on: December 16, 2021
Arginine methylation: the promise of a 'silver bullet' for brain tumours?
Sabrina F Samuel1, Antonia Barry1, John Greenman1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK.
Abstract:
Despite intense research efforts, our pharmaceutical repertoire against high-grade brain tumours has not been able to increase patient survival for a decade and life expectancy remains at less than 16 months after diagnosis, on average. Inhibitors of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) have been developed and investigated over the past 15 years and have now entered oncology clinical trials, including for brain tumours. This review collates recent advances in the understanding of the role of PRMTs and arginine methylation in brain tumours. We provide an up-to-date literature review on the mechanisms for PRMT regulation. These include endogenous modulators such as alternative splicing, miRNA, post-translational modifications and PRMT-protein interactions, and synthetic inhibitors. We discuss the relevance of PRMTs in brain tumours with a particular focus on PRMT1, -2, -5 and -8. Finally, we include a future perspective where we discuss possible routes for further research on arginine methylation and on the use of PRMT inhibitors in the context of brain tumours.
Insights
Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) and arginine methylation are crucial in high-grade brain tumors. This review explores PRMT roles and inhibitors as potential therapeutic strategies for brain cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- High-grade brain tumors have poor prognoses with limited therapeutic options.
- Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are enzymes involved in arginine methylation, a post-translational modification.
- PRMTs are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding the role of PRMTs and arginine methylation in brain tumors.
- To summarize mechanisms regulating PRMTs, including endogenous modulators and synthetic inhibitors.
- To discuss the specific relevance of PRMT1, PRMT2, PRMT5, and PRMT8 in brain tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of PRMT regulation mechanisms (alternative splicing, miRNA, PTMs, protein interactions).
- Focus on specific PRMT family members implicated in brain tumors.
Main Results:
- PRMTs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of high-grade brain tumors.
- Dysregulation of PRMTs is observed through various endogenous and synthetic mechanisms.
- PRMT1, PRMT2, PRMT5, and PRMT8 are particularly relevant in the context of brain tumors.
Conclusions:
- Targeting PRMTs and arginine methylation represents a promising therapeutic avenue for brain tumors.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise roles of PRMTs and optimize PRMT inhibitors for clinical use.
- PRMT inhibitors are entering clinical trials, offering hope for improved patient survival in brain cancer.
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