tRNA Modification and Editing
Bhalchandra S. Rao and Jane E. Jackman
from: RNA Editing: Current Research and Future Trends (Edited by: Stefan Maas). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2013)
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are critical players in gene expression due to their essential function as adaptor molecules. Yet, the true enigma in their biological function lies in their ability to consistently transport 22 distinct amino acids, as specified by their identity, to the decoding center with extraordinarily high fidelity, yielding functional polypeptides. Previous research has indicated that mechanisms underlying the establishment of tRNA identity and high fidelity aminoacylation are tightly linked to recognition of an optimal three dimensional structure of tRNAs. Hence it is not surprising that diverse biochemical pathways of tRNA processing have evolved in all three domains of life that directly influence the functionality and structural integrity of tRNAs. The following chapter reviews tRNA modification and editing mechanisms that directly influence tRNA homeostasis in all three domains of life read more ...
