Abstract
Recent studies underscore RNA modifications as a novel mechanism to coordinate expression and function of different genes. While modifications on the sugar or base moieties of tRNA are well known, their roles in mRNA regulation are only starting to emerge. Interestingly, some modifications are present in both tRNA and mRNA, and here we discuss the functional significance of these common features. We describe key modifications that are present in both RNA types, elaborate on proteins that interact with them, and indicate recent works that identify roles in communicating tRNA processes and mRNA regulation. We propose that as tools are developed, the shortlist of features that are common between types of RNA will greatly expand and proteins that interact with them will be identified. In conclusion, the presence of the same modification in both RNA types provides an intersect between tRNA processes and mRNA regulation and implies a novel mechanism for connecting diverse cellular processes.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Dr. Adi Golani-Armon for her critical reading of the manuscript and helpful suggestions. We apologize to many colleagues that we could not cite due to space limitations. Work in the lab is funded by ISF 258/18 and Michigan-Israel partnership. O.L. is recipient of the Jacobs fellowship for outstanding students.
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Work in the lab is funded by ISF 258/18 and Michigan-Israel partnership. O.L. is recipient of the Jacobs fellowship for outstanding students.
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Levi, O., Arava, Y.S. RNA modifications as a common denominator between tRNA and mRNA. Curr Genet 67, 545–551 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00294-021-01168-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00294-021-01168-1