Poster abstracts
Poster number 57 submitted by Nathan Howell
Cellular adaptation using the m1G9 tRNA modification and its catalyst, Trm10
Nathan Howell (Ohio State University), Abi Hubacher (Ohio State University), Aiswarya Krishnamohan (Ohio State University), Emily Kuiper (Emory University), Jane Jackman (Ohio State University)
Abstract:
In addition to its accepted role as a critical adaptor molecule between nucleic acids and proteins, tRNA is central to a novel regulatory system in the cell, where changes in cellular environment are sensed by tRNA-modifying enzymes, resulting in perturbations to the tRNA pool and consequent cellular adaptation, potentially through altered translational output. To better understand the role that tRNA modification enzymes play in this system, we study the function and mechanism of Trm10, homologs of which constitute a broadly conserved family of tRNA modification enzymes responsible for m1G9 modification in tRNA. We seek to determine the functional significance of the m1G9 modification, as well as how Trm10 distinguishes substrate tRNAs from a larger pool of potential substrates. To do this, we have explored Trm10 substrate specificity by converting a Type II, non-substrate tRNA into a Type I-like substrate using domain-swapping mutations. Additionally, the impact of m1G9 deficiency is assessed using genetic techniques as well as HPLC analysis of bulk RNA and individual tRNA species.
Keywords: tRNA modifications, enzymology, dynamic modifications