METTL11B
Mettl11b: A Multifaceted Protein with Critical Roles in Health and Disease
Description
Mettl11b, also known as METTL11B or KIAA1429, is a key methyltransferase enzyme involved in the methylation of RNA molecules. It belongs to the METTL1 family of proteins and plays a crucial role in mediating RNA modifications. RNA methylation occurs at specific nucleotide positions, primarily at the N6 position of adenosine nucleotides, and is essential for regulating gene expression, RNA stability, and cellular processes.
Associated Diseases
Aberrant Mettl11b activity and dysregulated RNA methylation have been implicated in various diseases, including:
- Cancer: Mettl11b overexpression has been observed in several cancer types, such as leukemia, lung cancer, and breast cancer. It contributes to oncogenic signaling pathways, promotes cell proliferation, and suppresses tumor suppressor genes.
- Neurodegenerative Disorders: Reduced Mettl11b expression or impaired RNA methylation has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It affects neuronal function, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive abilities.
- Metabolic Disorders: Mettl11b modulates RNA metabolism in various tissues, including adipose tissue and liver. Its dysregulation can contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Mettl11b plays a role in regulating vascular function and inflammation. Alterations in its expression or RNA methylation patterns are associated with cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and heart failure.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Mettl11b deficiency has been linked to the development of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. It affects immune cell function and cytokine production.
Did you Know ?
A study published in the journal Nature Medicine found that Mettl11b overexpression in leukemia cells promotes leukemia stem cell maintenance and resistance to therapy. The study highlights the potential of targeting Mettl11b for developing novel cancer treatments.
