RNA modifications as a common denominator between tRNA and mRNA

• Published in: Current genetics Vol. 67; no. 4; pp. 545 - 551
• Main Authors: Levi, Ofri, Arava, Yoav S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.08.2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adenosine; Biochemistry; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cell Biology; Communication; Enzymes; Gene expression; Life Sciences; Metabolism; Microbial Genetics and Genomics; Microbiology; Mini-Review; mRNA; Plant Sciences; Proteins; Proteomics; Ribonucleic acid; RNA; RNA modification; Roles; Transfer RNA; tRNA; Writers; A; Translation; C; tRNA; Inosine; mRNA; Pseudouridine; m; RNA modifications; RNA binding proteins; m6A; m5C
• ISSN: 0172-8083; 1432-0983
• DOI: 10.1007/s00294-021-01168-1

Recent studies underscore RNA modifications as a novel mechanism to coordinate expression and function of different genes. While modifications on the sugar or base moieties of tRNA are well known, their roles in mRNA regulation are only starting to emerge. Interestingly, some modifications are present in both tRNA and mRNA, and here we discuss the functional significance of these common features. We describe key modifications that are present in both RNA types, elaborate on proteins that interact with them, and indicate recent works that identify roles in communicating tRNA processes and mRNA regulation. We propose that as tools are developed, the shortlist of features that are common between types of RNA will greatly expand and proteins that interact with them will be identified. In conclusion, the presence of the same modification in both RNA types provides an intersect between tRNA processes and mRNA regulation and implies a novel mechanism for connecting diverse cellular processes.