Methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14)

Methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14) is a non-catalytic component of the core mammalian methyltransferase complex responsible for installing N6-methyladenosine (m^6A) modifications in RNA. METTL14 forms an **obligate heterodimer** with METTL3, the catalytically active subunit, where METTL14 provides critical structural support and helps recognize RNA substrates. While METTL3 catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the N6 position of adenosine in RNA (forming m^6A), METTL14 organizes the substrate and facilitates complex stability. The complex regulates mRNA metabolism, including **splicing**, **translation**, and **decay**, and has a key **epigenetic regulatory role** in mammalian cells. Alterations in METTL14 function, via mutation or expression changes, are linked to carcinogenesis in various tissues and may serve as **biomarkers** for disease[1][2][3][4]. While there are no **direct METTL14 inhibitors** clinically available, small molecule drugs targeting the METTL3-METTL14 complex are in development, mainly focusing on the catalytic pocket of METTL3[1].

Other names

N6-adenosine-methyltransferase non-catalytic subunit METTL14KIAA1627hMETTL14Methyltransferase like 14

Not applicable as a direct drug target; however, inhibitors of the METTL3-METTL14 complex target the methyltransferase activity (primarily via METTL3)