tRNA Methyltransferase 61 Homolog A (TRMT61A)

Among all types of RNA, tRNA is unique given that it possesses the largest assortment and abundance of modified nucleosides. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the tRNA 1-methyladenosine 58 methyltransferase (Mtase) is a two-subunit enzyme encoded by the essential genes TRM6 (GCD10) and TRM61 (GCD14).

While the significance of many tRNA modifications is poorly understood, methylation of A58 is known to be critical for maintaining the stability of initiator tRNA(Met) in yeast.When coexpressed in yeast, human Trm6 and Trm61 restored the formation of m(1)A in tRNA, modifying both yeast initiator tRNA(Met) and human tRNA (Lys). Stable hTrm6p/hTrm61p complexes purified from yeast maintained tRNA m(1)A Mtase activity in vitro.