Diversity in mechanism and function of tRNA methyltransferases.

摘要: tRNA molecules undergo extensive post-transcriptional processing to generate the mature functional species that are essential for translation in all organisms. These steps include introduction of numerous specific chemical modifications nucleotide bases and sugars; among these modifications, methylation reactions by far most abundant. The methyltransferases comprise a diverse enzyme superfamily, including members multiple structural classes appear have arisen independently during evolution. Even closely related family members, examples unusual substrate specificity chemistry been observed. Here we review recent advances methyltransferase mechanism function with particular emphasis on discoveries alternative specificities associated some methyltransferases. Although molecular may not always be clear, mutations increasingly human disease. impact biology is also discussed.