Mammalian Trit1 is a tRNA[Ser]Sec-isopentenyl-transferase required for full selenoprotein expression

Selenoproteins are proteins carrying the rare amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). Full expression of selenoproteins requires modification of tRNA[Ser]Sec, including N6-isopentenylation of base A37. We show that Trit1 is a dimethylallyl:tRNA[Ser]Sec-transferase. Knockdown of Trit1 reduces expression of selenoproteins. Incubation of in vitro transcribed tRNA[Ser]Sec with recombinant Trit1 transfers [14C]-dimethylallyl pyrophosphate to tRNA[Ser]Sec. A37G tRNA[Ser]Sec is resistant to isopentenylation by Trit1.

Source: BJ Gene - January 4, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: N Fradejas, B A Carlson, E Rijntjes, N Becker, R Tobe, U Schweizer Tags: BJ Gene Source Type: research