tRNA (adenine(58)-N(1))-methyltransferase catalytic subunit TRMT61A (TRMT61A)

TRMT61A is the **catalytic subunit of the tRNA (adenine-N(1))-methyltransferase complex**, responsible for catalyzing N1-methyladenosine (m1A) formation at position 58 of initiator methionine tRNA in eukaryotes[1][4][6][7]. This modification stabilizes tRNA structure, ensures proper translation initiation, and affects the efficiency of protein synthesis. TRMT61A operates as part of a heterodimer with TRMT6, which mediates tRNA binding while TRMT61A provides methyltransferase catalytic activity[3][4][6]. In addition to its central role in basic cell biology, dysregulation or upregulation of TRMT61A is observed in several cancer types—including liver, bladder, and brain cancers—where it contributes to malignancy by promoting proliferation, cancer stem cell renewal, and activation of oncogenic pathways[1][2][3]. Increased expression of TRMT61A or enhanced m1A modification has been associated with poor prognosis in specific tumor models, highlighting its pathological relevance and potential as a biomarker[1][2][3]. No clinically used inhibitors or drugs are currently known that directly target TRMT61A, but its enzymatic function makes it conceptually addressable by small molecule inhibitors[2].

Other names

GCD14GCD14PC14orf172HTRM61TRM61tRNA methyltransferase 61AtRNA(m1A58)MTase subunit TRMT61AmRNA methyladenosine-N(1)-methyltransferase catalytic subunit TRMT61A

No direct drugs currently reported, but enzyme inhibitors or small molecules against the methyltransferase activity can be theorized.