ENDONUCLEASE V: FROM TRANSCRIPTOME REGULATOR TO CHEMICAL BIOLOGY TOOL.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing is a major posttranscriptional modification impacting RNA regulation and the genetic code.
• A-to-I editing is linked to diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.
• While ADARs are known 'writers' of A-to-I editing, 'readers' and 'erasers' are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To consolidate current knowledge on Endonuclease V (EndoV) enzymes, particularly human EndoV (hEndoV), as potential regulators of A-to-I edited RNAs.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms of inosine recognition and RNA cleavage by EndoV.
• To discuss the physiological roles and technological applications of hEndoV in A-to-I editing research.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing biochemical and structural studies on EndoV.
• Analysis of evolutionary aspects of EndoV function from DNA repair to RNA cleavage.
• Discussion of reported physiological roles and technological advancements related to hEndoV.

Main Results:

• EndoV enzymes possess the capability to recognize and cleave inosine-containing RNAs.
• Evidence suggests EndoV may play a significant role in regulating the fate of edited RNAs.
• Studies reveal the molecular basis of inosine recognition and RNA cleavage by EndoV.

Conclusions:

• hEndoV is a potentially crucial but understudied regulator of A-to-I editing.
• Understanding hEndoV's function is vital for comprehending RNA regulation and associated diseases.
• Emerging technologies leverage EndoV for mapping and quantifying A-to-I editing in biological systems.