RlmQ: A Newly Discovered rRNA Modification Enzyme Bridging RNA Modification and Virulence Traits in < em > Staphylococcus aureus < /em >

In this study, we identified a new methyltransferase, RlmQ, in Staphylococcus aureus responsible for the Gram-positive specific m7G2601, which is not modified in E. coli (G2574). We also demonstrate the absence of methylation on C1989, equivalent to E. coli C1962, which is methylated at position 5 by the Gram-negative specific RlmI methyltransferase, a paralogue of RlmQ. Both modifications (S. aureus m7G2601 and E. coli m5C1962) are situated within the same tRNA accommodation corridor, hinting at a potential shared function in translation. Inactivation of S. aureus rlmQ causes the loss of methylation at G2601 and significantly impacts growth, cytotoxicity, and biofilm formation. These findings unravel the intricate connections between rRNA modifications, translation, and virulence in pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria.PMID:38164596 | DOI:10.1261/rna.079850.123

Source: RNA - January 2, 2024 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Roberto Bahena-Ceron Chloe Teixeira Jose R Jaramillo Ponce Philippe Wolff Florence Couzon Pauline Fran çois Bruno Klaholz Fran çois Vandenesch Pascale Romby Karen Moreau Stefano Marzi Source Type: research