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Publication Abstract from PubMed

The evolutionarily conserved methyltransferase Trm10 modifies the N1 position of guanosine 9 (G9) in some tRNAs, but how the enzyme recognizes and modifies its substrate tRNAs remains unclear. Here, we used an S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) analog to trap the Trm10-tRNA(Gly) complex and enable determination of its structure in a post-catalytic state by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). We observed three distinct complexes: two with a single Trm10 bound to tRNA that differ in their tRNA acceptor stem orientation ("closed" and "open") and a minor population with two Trm10s engaging the same tRNA. The monomeric complexes reveal a positively charged surface that guides the G9 into the catalytic site with key conserved residues forming "pincer"-like interactions that stabilize the flipped methylated nucleotide. In the open tRNA conformation, the acceptor stem is rotated away from the enzyme, weakening the tRNA-protein contacts, consistent with a product-release conformation. The dimeric complex, which is supported by tRNA-dependent protein crosslinking, reveals one Trm10 positioned similarly to the monomeric complexes and engaged with G9, while the other Trm10 contacts distal tRNA regions, suggesting a potential role in facilitating a key conformational transition during the process of catalysis or modified tRNA release. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations comparing G9- and A9-containing complexes reveal that G9 is efficiently stabilized in the binding pocket unlike A9, identifying the structural basis for guanosine selectivity. Overall, these findings reveal the structural determinants of G9-specific tRNA methylation by Trm10 and suggest a unique mechanism of action among RNA-modifying SPOUT methyltransferases.

Molecular basis of tRNA substrate recognition and modification by the atypical SPOUT methyltransferase Trm10.,Nandi S, Strassler SE, Dey D, Krishnamohan A, Harris GM, Comstock LR, Jackman JE, Conn GL bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Dec 14:2025.12.12.694034. doi: , 10.64898/2025.12.12.694034. PMID:41427370^[3]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.