HEN methyltransferase 1 (HENMT1)

HEN methyltransferase 1 (HENMT1) is a small RNA 2'-O-methyltransferase enzyme that catalyzes the methylation of the 2'-hydroxyl group at the 3'-end of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) as well as some noncanonical tRNA-, rRNA-, and snRNA-derived small RNAs in mammals. This methylation protects piRNAs from terminal uridylation and subsequent degradation, ensuring their stability and function in post-transcriptional gene silencing, transposon repression, and genome stability, especially in the germline during spermatogenesis. The protein contains a conserved methyltransferase domain and is predominantly active in the cytoplasm and nucleus, with crucial roles demonstrated in mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Defects in HENMT1 activity are associated with impaired gametogenesis and possible links to infertility and neurological function[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Small RNA 2'-O-methyltransferaseC1orf59FLJ30525HEN1HEN1 methyltransferase homolog 1hua enhancer 1 homolog 1 (Arabidopsis)hua enhancer 1 homolog 1