METTL5

METTL5 encodes methyltransferase like 5, an enzyme primarily responsible for catalyzing m⁶A methylation of 18S rRNA. It functions in ribosome biogenesis by modifying specific adenine residues, ensuring proper translation initiation and ribosomal stability. This methylation event is critical for maintaining protein synthesis efficiency and cellular homeostasis.
Aberrant METTL5 expression correlates with several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer, where dysregulated m⁶A modification disrupts ribosomal function and promotes tumorigenesis. Current research focuses on targeting its methyltransferase activity, with small-molecule inhibitors in preclinical development to restore translational fidelity in cancer cells.