Trmo, also known as tRNA (adenine (37)-N6)-methyltransferase TrmO, is a S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase. It belongs to the Class VIII SAM-dependent MTase family. In Escherichia coli, trmO (formerly yaeB) encodes a tRNA methyltransferase responsible for the N(6)-methyl group of m(6)t(6)A in tRNA(Thr) specific for ACY codons. A human homolog, TRMO, has also been identified, suggesting m(6)t(6)A plays a role in decoding from bacteria to mammals. It may be involved in pathways related to metabolism as its locus was identified in a study on differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) susceptibility [1].

In the context of DTC, data mining of GWAS data identified TRMO at the 9q22 locus among other DTC-associated genes. Gene networks related to glycogenolysis, glycogen metabolism, insulin metabolism, and signal transduction pathways associated with muscle contraction were over-represented with association signals. Also, suggestive associations of certain KEGG and REACTOME pathways with DTC indicated a link between DTC susceptibility and functions like cholesterol metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and down-regulation of ERBB2 signaling pathways [1].

In conclusion, Trmo is a crucial tRNA methyltransferase with a role in tRNA modification and decoding. Its identification in relation to DTC susceptibility through GWAS data mining suggests a potential role in DTC-related metabolic and signaling pathways. This indicates that studying Trmo could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying DTC, contributing to a better understanding of the disease and potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.

References:

1. 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/