Reviving the RNA World: An Insight into the Appearance of RNA Methyltransferases

RNA, the earliest genetic and catalytic molecule, has a relatively delicate and labile chemical structure, when compared to DNA. It is prone to be damaged by alkali, heat, nucleases, or stress conditions. One mechanism to protect RNA or DNA from damage is through site-specific methylation. Here, we...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in genetics 2016-06, Vol.7, p.99-99
Main Authors: Rana, Ajay K, Ankri, Serge
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
DNA Methylation
Evolution
Genetics
RNA methylation
RNA world
RNA-DNA transition
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Summary:RNA, the earliest genetic and catalytic molecule, has a relatively delicate and labile chemical structure, when compared to DNA. It is prone to be damaged by alkali, heat, nucleases, or stress conditions. One mechanism to protect RNA or DNA from damage is through site-specific methylation. Here, we propose that RNA methylation began prior to DNA methylation in the early forms of life evolving on Earth. In this article, the biochemical properties of some RNA methyltransferases (MTases), such as 2'-O-MTases (Rlml/RlmN), spOUT MTases and the NSun2 MTases are dissected for the insight they provide on the transition from an RNA world to our present RNA/DNA/protein world.
ISSN:1664-8021
1664-8021
DOI:10.3389/fgene.2016.00099