METTL17

METTL17, or Methyltransferase like 17, is a member of the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase superfamily. It catalyzes the methylation of specific ribosomal proteins, supporting ribosome biogenesis and ensuring translational accuracy. Its function is integral to cellular protein synthesis regulation, linking to pathways governing ribosomal subunit assembly.
Dysregulated METTL17 expression correlates with colorectal and lung cancers, where overexpression drives tumor cell growth and metastasis. Preclinical studies are investigating small-molecule inhibitors targeting its methyltransferase activity, as a potential strategy to disrupt cancer-associated ribosomal function and develop novel anticancer therapies.