TrmO, previously known as YaeB, is a tRNA methyltransferase. It belongs to a novel category of AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases (Class VIII). Its main function is to catalyze the N(6)-methylation of N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine (m(6)t(6)A) in tRNA(Thr) specific for ACY codons, using S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) as a methyl donor [1]. This modification seems to be involved in ensuring efficient decoding of ACY and enhancing the attenuation activity of the thr operon, suggesting its importance in translational processes [1].

In an E. coli ΔtrmO strain, m(6)t(6)A was converted to cyclic t(6)A (ct(6)A), indicating that t(6)A is a common precursor for both m(6)t(6)A and ct(6)A [1]. Also, a human homolog, TRMO, was identified, suggesting a conserved role in fine-tuning decoding from bacteria to mammals [1]. Additionally, in a study on differentiated thyroid carcinoma, TRMO was identified as one of the genes at the 9q22 locus associated with the disease, hinting at its potential role in thyroid carcinoma susceptibility [2].

In conclusion, TrmO is crucial for tRNA methylation and translational efficiency. Its role in organisms from bacteria to mammals, as well as its potential association with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, as revealed through genetic model-based research, highlights its significance in both basic biological processes and disease-related studies.

References:

1. Kimura, Satoshi, Miyauchi, Kenjyo, Ikeuchi, Yoshiho, Crécy-Lagard, Valérie de, Suzuki, Tsutomu. 2014. Discovery of the β-barrel-type RNA methyltransferase responsible for N6-methylation of N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine in tRNAs. In Nucleic acids research, 42, 9350-65. doi:10.1093/nar/gku618. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25063302/

2. Kulkarni, Om, Sugier, Pierre-Emmanuel, Guibon, Julie, Truong, Thérèse, Lesueur, Fabienne. 2021. Gene network and biological pathways associated with susceptibility to differentiated thyroid carcinoma. In Scientific reports, 11, 8932. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-88253-0. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33903625/