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One of the unique features of tRNA is the presence of modified bases. In some tRNAs, modified bases account for nearly 20% of the total bases in the molecule. Altogether, these unusual bases protect the tRNA from enzymatic degradation by RNases.
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Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
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Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...
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An In Vitro Assay to Detect tRNA-Isopentenyl Transferase Activity
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RNA modifying enzymes shape tRNA biogenesis and function.

Sarah K Schultz1, Ute Kothe1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|June 22, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are extensively modified, with diverse chemical modifications impacting their function. This review explores tRNA modifying enzymes

Keywords:
RNARNA binding proteinRNA foldingRNA methylationRNA modificationRNA processingRNA structureaminoacyl tRNA synthetaseprecursor tRNA (pre-tRNA)protein synthesisribosometransfer RNA (tRNA)

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • RNA Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are among the most extensively modified cellular RNAs.
  • tRNA modifications occur in distinct clusters, notably the anticodon stem-loop and tRNA elbow.
  • The functional significance of many tRNA modifications, especially in the elbow region, remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known functions of tRNA modifying enzymes across the entire tRNA lifecycle.
  • To elucidate how tRNA modifications and enzyme-mediated folding impact tRNA maturation and function.
  • To highlight the connection between tRNA modification, protein synthesis, cellular phenotypes, and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on tRNA modification and tRNA modifying enzymes.
  • Analysis of conserved tRNA modifications and their proposed roles.
  • Integration of findings on tRNA modifying enzymes' dual roles in modification and chaperone activity.

Main Results:

  • tRNA modifications are crucial for protein translation, particularly those in the anticodon stem-loop.
  • tRNA elbow modifications, while often not essential for growth, are highly conserved and their functions are emerging.
  • Many tRNA modifying enzymes also function as chaperones, aiding in tRNA folding and maturation.

Conclusions:

  • tRNA modifying enzymes are critical for tRNA maturation, aminoacylation, and protein synthesis.
  • These modifications and enzymatic activities influence cellular phenotypes and are implicated in disease.
  • Further research into tRNA modification functions is essential for understanding fundamental biological processes and disease mechanisms.