Methyltransferase 6, tRNA N3-cytidine (METTL6)

Methyltransferase 6, tRNA N3-cytidine (METTL6) is an enzyme that catalyzes the S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methylation of cytidine at position 32 (C32) of the anticodon loop in certain tRNAs, particularly tRNA(Ser)[1][2][4]. This modification, generating N(3)-methylcytidine (m3C), maintains tRNA structure and translation fidelity in eukaryotic cells[1][2]. METTL6 acts in concert with seryl-tRNA synthetase to specifically recognize and modify tRNA(Ser), and its activity is crucial for cellular homeostasis and metabolic regulation[1][3]. Dysregulation or overexpression of METTL6 is linked to increased tumor cell growth and poor prognosis in cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma and aggressive breast tumors, while loss of function causes defects in metabolism and differentiation[1][3][4]. As an RNA-modifying enzyme, METTL6 is emerging as a potential therapeutic target in oncology and metabolic disease[4].

Other names

tRNA N(3)-cytidine methyltransferase METTL6hMETTL6MGC24132Methyltransferase-like protein 6methylcytidinemethyltransferase like 6tRNA N(3)-methylcytidine methyltransferase METTL6

S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyl transfer to cytidine 32 in the anticodon loop of tRNA(Ser), forming N(3)-methylcytidine