NEWS

NEWS TYPE
RELEASE YEAR

EVENT

[Open Seminar] Tsutomu Suzuki, Ph.D.

September 11, 2024

September 11, 2024

Keio University Human Biology-Microbiome-Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q) held an open seminar as follows:

Date & Time Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 16:00 -17:30
Venue 1F Lounge, Center for Integrated Medical Research, Shinanomachi Campus, Keio University (Onsite only)
Title RNA Modifications in Health and Disease
Speaker Tsutomu Suzuki, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, University of Tokyo
Language English

Abstract

RNA molecules frequently undergo post-transcriptional modifications, which are essential for their proper function. To date, about 150 different types of chemical modifications have been identified in various RNA molecules across all domains of life. There are still a number of novel modifications to be discovered. RNA modifications appear to confer chemical diversities to simple RNA molecules basically composed of four letters, to acquire a greater variety of biological functions. These modifications play critical roles in stability and functions of RNA molecules. The physiological importance of RNA modification has been demonstrated by human diseases caused by aberrant RNA modification. We reported a severe reduction in the frequency of tRNA modifications in mitochondrial disease patients, like MELAS and MERRF. These findings provided the first evidence of RNA modification disorder. We have termed “RNA modopathy” as a new category of human diseases.

Queuosine (Q), a tRNA modification characterized by a 7-deazaguanosine with a bulky side chain, is widely present in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Unique to this modification, the free base of Q, known as queuine, is incorporated through a base replacement reaction, converting guanine (G) to Q. Eukaryotes, including humans, cannot synthesize queuine and must obtain it as a dietary nutrient from gut microbiota or dietary sources. In humans and other vertebrates, Q can be further modified by glycosylation, forming either galactosyl-queuosine (galQ) or mannosyl-queuosine (manQ). The function of these glycosylated Q modifications remained unclear for nearly half a century after their discovery. Recently, we identified two glycosyltransferases responsible for the formation of galQ and manQ and elucidated the biosynthesis, functional roles in protein synthesis, and physiological significance of these glycosylated Q tRNA modifications.

More Bio2Q News

EVENT
2025.01.06

The 3rd Keio University WPI-Bio2Q International Symposium

The Keio University Human Biology-Microbiome-Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q) will hold the 3rd Keio University WPI-Bio2Q International S...

RESEARCH
2025.01.06

[Publication] Advantages of Fixing Spins in Quantum Annealing

Title Advantages of Fixing Spins in Quantum Annealing Authors Tomohiro Hattori [1]; Hirotaka Irie [2]; Tadashi Kadowaki [2],[3]; and ...

RESEARCH
2025.01.06

[Publication] Characterization of UGT8 as a monogalactosyl diacylglycerol syntha...

Title Characterization of UGT8 as a monogalactosyl diacylglycerol synthase in mammals  Authors Yohsuke Ohba [1],[2]; Mizuki Motohashi...

ANNOUNCEMENT
2024.12.13

Five WPI-Bio2Q Researchers Named as “Highly Cited Researchers 2024”

Keio University Human Biology-Microbiome-Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q) is proud to announce that five of our researchers were selected...

RESEARCH
2024.12.12

[Publication] The impact of retrotransposons on zygotic genome activation and th...

Title The impact of retrotransposons on zygotic genome activation and the chromatin landscape of early embryos Authors Therese Solber...