Virilizer-like methyltransferase-associated protein (VIRMA) (VIRMA)

Virilizer-like methyltransferase-associated protein (VIRMA), frequently referred to as KIAA1429 or VRMA in oncology literature, is a large scaffolding protein that serves as a critical component of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase complex, also known as the "m6A writer" complex. Its primary biological function is to recruit and guide the catalytic core of the complex, consisting of METTL3 and METTL14, to specific regions on target mRNAs, typically near the stop codon and 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). This m6A modification is the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA and plays a fundamental role in regulating RNA splicing, stability, transport, and translation efficiency. In various malignancies, including ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma, VIRMA is often overexpressed and functions as an oncogene by promoting the expression of pro-survival and proliferative genes through dysregulated RNA methylation pathways. Because of its central role in the epitranscriptomic regulation of cancer-promoting genes, VIRMA is considered a promising therapeutic target. Current research efforts are focused on developing small molecule inhibitors or RNA-targeted therapies to disrupt its interaction with the m6A writer complex and restore normal methylation patterns in malignant cells.

Other names

KIAA1429Virilizer homologMSTP054VRMAVirilizer-like methyltransferase-associated protein

Inhibition of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase activity and disruption of the m6A writer complex