RNA guanine-7 methyltransferase (RNMT)

RNA guanine-7 methyltransferase (RNMT) is a critical enzymatic subunit of the mRNA-capping methyltransferase complex (RNMT:RAMAC), responsible for the methylation of the N7 position of guanosine in the 5'-cap structure added to mRNA transcripts by RNA polymerase II. This cap methylation is essential for pre-mRNA processing, nuclear export, stabilization, and efficient translation. RNMT requires a cofactor (RAM) for maximal activity and proper localization. Its function is tightly regulated, for example by cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation, and it is essential for mammalian cell viability; loss of activity induces apoptosis. RNMT's central role in mRNA metabolism links it to cellular growth and survival, making it relevant in cancer and basic gene expression, but it is not commonly targeted by drugs as of now[1][3][4][7].

Other names

mRNA cap guanine-N7 methyltransferasemessenger ribonucleate guanine 7-methyltransferaseguanine-7-methyltransferasemessenger RNA guanine 7-methyltransferaseS-adenosyl-L-methionine:mRNA (guanine-7-N-)-methyltransferasecap MTaseRG7MT1MRNA Cap MethyltransferaseN7-MTaseHCMT1HMetCMT1

Catalyzes N7 methylation of the guanine cap at the 5' end of mRNA, which is essential for mRNA processing and function