Methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16)

Methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16) is a SAM-dependent RNA methyltransferase that catalyzes N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification on specific RNA substrates, most notably at position 43 of the U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) and in stem-loop structures within MAT2A pre-mRNA[1][2][6]. It is part of the class I SAM-methyltransferase family and is critical for regulating RNA processing events such as splicing and stability, as well as maintaining cellular SAM homeostasis through feedback regulation of MAT2A expression[1][4]. METTL16 displays unique substrate specificity, recognizing a nine-nucleotide consensus and RNA secondary structure, distinguishing it from other m6A writers like METTL3/14[4]. The enzyme has additional roles in translation, nuclear processes, and potential interaction with long non-coding RNAs such as MALAT1, indicating broader impacts on gene expression and RNA metabolism[1][2][3]. Currently, METTL16 is under investigation as a possible therapeutic target, especially in the context of cancer and metabolic regulation, but no clinically approved inhibitors are established[1][4][3].

Other names

Methyltransferase-like protein 16Methyltransferase 16, RNA N6-adenosineMETT10DMGC3329Methyltransferase 10 domain-containing proteinN6-methyladenosine methyltransferaseU6 small nuclear RNA (adenine-(43)-N(6))-methyltransferaseRNA N(6)-adenosine-methyltransferase METTL16Methyltransferase 10 domain containing

Drugs targeting METTL16 would be expected to inhibit its RNA methyltransferase activity, thereby blocking N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of target RNAs