rRNA Modifications and The Factors Involved

Ribosomal RNA, often referred to as rRNA, is a major component of the ribosomal structure in all other species, and its function is not only to participate in protein synthesis, degradation, and functional regulation, but also to catalyze biosynthetic reactions independently, which is of significant biological importance. Interestingly, rRNAs have very complex modification processes, and their modification patterns have an important impact on rRNA function. In this paper, rRNA modification and its associated factors will be discussed in detail.

Types of rRNA Modifications

rRNA modifications mainly include methylation, pseudouridylation and other modifications. Among them, methylation of 2' -hydroxyl (Nm) of riboses is a typical biochemical reaction process in which -CH3 groups are added to rRNA molecules. This modification has important implications for rRNA stability and function. Uridine isomerization to pseudouridine (ψ) is another major type of modification in rRNAs. Approximately 100 of each type of rRNA site are modified in humans. This type of modification involves changing uridine to pseudouridine and forming bonds in a specific way. This modification can affect the structure and function of the rRNA. Other rRNA modifications include amidation, thiolation, and heteronucleosidation. These modifications are relatively few, but they are important for rRNA function, stability and biological activity.

Fig. 1 Base modifications in rRNA and the enzymes that install them.¹

Factors Affecting rRNA Modification

The process of rRNA modification is influenced by several factors ranging from environmental factors, genetic components, epigenetic modifiers, to nutritional statuses. Among the environmental elements potentially affecting rRNA modification are temperature, pH level, radiation, or environmental contamination. Understanding these influences is critical as it's been observed that restrictive environments can significantly alter rRNA modification patterns. On the genetic front, the presence and genetic diversity of rRNA modifying enzymes play a critical role. For instance, specific well-defined genetic variations could modify these enzymes, leading to changes in rRNA modification. Epigenetic modifications, which are alterations that change the shape and function of cells without modifying the gene sequence, can also directly or indirectly impact rRNA modification. Last but certainly not least, the nutritional status of cells can influence rRNA modification. If cells lack trace elements such as amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides, or vitamins, this fact could perturb the rRNA modification process as these elements are integral components of the said process.

While there remain mysteries in this research area, recent studies have uncovered that rRNA modifications play unique, biological roles. Their connection to various biological processes like cell differentiation and the onset of disease are gradually coming to light. Looking forward, comprehensive investigations into the mechanisms of these modifications and the influences on them are called for. This will shed light on their functions in biology and medicine, potentially aiding in the treatment of associated illnesses and the creation of new drugs. Furthermore, rRNA modifications are a principal area of research in enzyme engineering and biotechnology, demonstrating outstanding promise and potential.

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Reference

1. Sloan, Katherine E., et al. "Tuning the ribosome: the influence of rRNA modification on eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis and function." RNA biology 14.9 (2017): 1138-1152.