Methylation of Ribosomal RNA: A Mitochondrial Perspective

Abstract

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from all organisms undergoes post-transcriptional modifications that increase the diversity of its composition and activity. In mitochondria, specialized mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) are responsible for the synthesis of 13 oxidative phosphorylation proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome. Mitoribosomal RNA is also modified, with 10 modifications thus far identified and all corresponding modifying enzymes described. This form of epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial gene expression affects mitoribosome biogenesis and function. Here, we provide an overview on rRNA methylation and highlight critical work that is beginning to elucidate its role in mitochondr..