2′-O-Methylation (Nm) Machinery

The current model reveals that plenty of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) modifications are necessary for ribosomal protein synthesis. 2'-O-methylation (Nm) is one of the most ordinary rRNA modifications. It may be related to rRNA molecular structure, interaction, and stability. Furthermore, Nm plays a vital role in diverse cellular processes. As the world's leading ribosome service provider, Creative Biolabs has extensive experience in ribosome and related component analysis.

Background of Nm

Ribosome biogenesis is an energy-intensive process that is tightly regulated to ensure cellular requirements. Scientists have discovered that the loss of rRNA modifications leads to changes in the active site structure, which can lead to slower and less accurate translation as well as impaired response to antibiotics. rRNA bases undergo many types of modifications by adding chemical groups or by isomerizing uridine to pseudouridine (ψ). It is worth noting that Nm is considered to be one of the most widespread modifications.

Fig.1 Model of Nm profile modulation and consequence on the activity of ribosomes. (Monaco, 2018)

Nm is a transcriptional related modification of RNA in which a methyl group (-CH3) is added to the 2' hydroxyl (-OH) of RNA. Nm is a highly evolutionarily conserved modification that can arise at any base. Nm is present at different locations in small nuclear RNA, rRNA, and transfer RNA. The influence of Nm on RNAs is extensive, in addition to enhancing their hydrophobicity and stabilizing the helical structure, Nm also plays a significant role in protecting them from nuclease attack. What's more, Nm affects the interaction of RNAs with proteins or other RNAs.

Fig.2 2'-O-methylated ribonucleoside (Nm). (Dimitrova, 2019)

Nm in rRNA

rRNA is one of the most modified RNA species in cells and carries the most Nm modifications so far. The contribution of Nm to the translational capacity of the ribosome has been identified. In general, changes in rRNA Nm affect ribosome biosynthesis and thus cell proliferation. Furthermore, recent advances in ribosome structural analysis and in vitro translational analysis have demonstrated for the first time that Nm contributes to the control of protein synthesis. These rRNA modifications can be acquired at multiple stages of ribosome biogenesis and are closely related to stabilizing the rRNA structure to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of the translation. rRNA Nm modifications also have some heterogeneity in disease, which may alter ribosomal function as a cause of disease.

In conclusion, Nm modification is a powerful source for further understanding of the disease. With the latest technological advancements in Nm detection, more results on the biological role of the mysterious and ancient Nm modifications are emerging. Creative Biolabs has established a complete experimental platform to help our global customers solve the difficulties in ribosome research. Please contact us for more information and a detailed quote.

References

1. Monaco, P. L.; et al. 2'-O-methylation of ribosomal RNA: towards an epitranscriptomic control of translation? Biomolecules. 2018, 8(4): 106.
2. Dimitrova, D. G.; et al. RNA 2'-O-methylation (Nm) modification in human diseases. Genes. 2019, 10(2): 117.