Chemical taxonomy of ncRNA

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Neo-taxonomy of noncoding RNAs
• Project/Area Number: 26113003
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Biological Sciences
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Suzuki Tsutomu 東京大学, 大学院工学系研究科(工学部), 教授 (20292782)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-07-10 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: RNA修飾 / マススペクトロメトリー / mRNA / ｔRNA / rRNA / リボソーム / エピトランスクリプトミクス / タンパク質合成

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This project aimed to identify novel RNA modifications as functional elements of RNA molecules. We identified a cap-specific novel m6A writer for mRNA, and an RNA acetyltransferase using an acetate ion as a substrate. We studied CO2-sensitive tRNA modification and its association with Warburg effect, and found dynamic regulation of tRNA modification by sensing cellular metabolic status. In addition, we reported pre-tRNA capping, several novel RNA modifications and growth phase-dependent alteration of tRNA modification. We elucidated biogenesis of 5-formylcytidine in human mitochondrial tRNA.

Free Research Field

分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究において、私たちは新規RNA修飾や修飾酵素を多数発見した。これらの成果は、RNA修飾が関与する生命現象の理解に貢献するだけでなく、RNA修飾が欠損することで生じるヒトの疾患（RNA修飾病）の発症原因の解明および具体的な治療法や創薬のための基盤的知見を提供する。