U6 2'-O-snRNA methylation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The posttranscriptional addition a methyl group to the 2'-oxygen atom of a nucleotide residue in an U6 snRNA molecule. [PMID:11842100, PMID:9844635]

U6 2'-O-methylation is a crucial step in the biogenesis of U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA), a key component of the spliceosome, the intricate molecular machine responsible for removing introns from pre-messenger RNA. This methylation occurs at the 2'-hydroxyl group of the penultimate nucleotide (usually a guanosine) at the 5' end of U6 snRNA, and it is catalyzed by a specific methyltransferase called "SNORD3" (also known as "fibrillarin"). The process begins with the association of U6 snRNA with other snRNAs (U1, U2, U4, and U5) and proteins to form the spliceosome complex. Once assembled, the 5' end of U6 snRNA is presented to SNORD3 in a conformation that allows for the methylation reaction to proceed. This methylation event is essential for the proper folding and function of U6 snRNA. Specifically, it contributes to the stability of the RNA structure and facilitates interactions with other spliceosomal components. This interaction is crucial for the proper positioning of U6 snRNA within the spliceosome, which is necessary for efficient intron removal. In addition to its role in splicing, U6 2'-O-methylation is also thought to be involved in other cellular processes such as transcription and translation. Aberrant methylation of U6 snRNA has been linked to various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, understanding the intricate mechanism of U6 2'-O-methylation is crucial for deciphering the role of this modification in normal cell function and in the pathogenesis of various diseases.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)