RNA Backbone Methylation Occurs Under Hypoxic Conditions!
We discovered that in Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA (rRNA), methylation modifications are introduced specifically in the RNA backbone under anaerobic (low-oxygen) conditions, and elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying this process. (Joint research with the University of Tokyo, AIST, RIKEN, Tohoku University, etc. Naoki Shigi, Group Leader, Cellular and Molecular Engineering Research Division, AIST, contributed to biochemical experiments under anaerobic conditions.)
A methyl group is stereoselectively introduced into the RNA sugar-phosphate backbone.
Publication
Title: Hypoxia-induced ribosomal RNA modifications in the peptidyl-transferase center contribute to anaerobic growth of bacteria
Authors: : K Ishiguro, K Midorikawa, N Shigi, S Kimura, A Liiv, T Yokoyama, T Ito, M Shirouzu, J Remme, K Miyauchi, T Suzuki*
Journal: Molecular Cell