Methylation of Ribosomal RNA: A Mitochondrial Perspective
M. Isabel G. Lopez Sanchez, Miriam Cipullo, Shreekara Gopalakrishna, Anas Khawaja, Joanna Rorbach
Abstract
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from all organisms undergoes post-transcriptional modifications that increase the diversity of its composition and activity. In mitochondria, specialized mitoribosomes are responsible for the synthesis of thirteen oxidative phosphorylation proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome. Mitoribosomal RNA is also modified, with 10 modifications thus far identified and all corresponding modifying enzymes described. This form of epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial gene expression affects mitoribosome biogenesis and function. Here, we provide an overview on rRNA methylation and highlight critical work that is beginning to elucidate its role in mitochondrial gene expression. Given the similarities between bacterial and mitochondrial ribosomes, we focus on studies involving E. coli and human models. Furthermore, we highlight the use of state-of-the-art technologies, such as cryoEM in the study of rRNA methylation and its biological relevance. Understanding the mechanisms and functional relevance of this process represents an exciting frontier in the RNA biology and mitochondrial fields.