Anti-VIRMA/KIAA1429 antibody [HL1719]

Supplementary info

Activity summary

VIRMA also known as KIAA1429 is a protein with an essential role in the RNA N6-adenosine methylation process often referred to as m6A modification. It has a molecular mass around 200 kDa and is expressed widely across various tissues prominently in the brain liver and kidney. As a component of the m6A methylation machinery it associates with other proteins that determine m6A methyltransferase activity.

Biological function summary

This protein plays a significant part in mRNA modification by acting as an important component of the m6A writer complex. It contributes to the regulation of gene expression by modulating mRNA stability and translation. The m6A writer complex which includes METTL3 METTL14 and WTAP often coordinates with VIRMA to ensure proper mRNA methylation affecting cellular processes such as differentiation and proliferation. Its involvement in this complex implies its importance for mRNA metabolism and gene expression regulation.

Pathways

VIRMA significantly impacts the RNA processing and degradation pathways. Within these pathways it interacts with proteins such as METTL3 and METTL14 to influence mRNA splicing and degradation which are vital for cellular homeostasis. Moreover VIRMA is closely linked to the circadian rhythm pathway. It regulates mRNA targets affecting the rhythmic expression of clock genes underlining cellular timing mechanisms.

Associated diseases and disorders

VIRMA is connected to cancer and metabolic disorders. Alterations in its methylation activity correlate with tumorigenesis and cancer progression particularly in liver cancer. It cooperates with proteins like METTL3 in promoting oncogenic mRNA translation leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Additionally dysregulation of RNA methylation involving VIRMA influences the metabolism contributing to disorders like obesity. This makes it an attractive target for therapeutic strategies aiming to modulate abnormal methylation patterns.