Recombinant Human Cytoplasmic tRNA 2-thiolation protein 1 (CTU1)

Introduction to Recombinant Human Cytoplasmic tRNA 2-thiolation protein 1 (CTU1)

Recombinant Human Cytoplasmic tRNA 2-thiolation protein 1, referred to here as CTU1, is a crucial enzyme involved in the post-transcriptional modification of transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Specifically, CTU1 catalyzes the 2-thiolation of uridine at the wobble position (position 34) in the anticodon loop of certain tRNAs. This modification is essential for maintaining translational accuracy and efficiency by enhancing the interaction between tRNA and mRNA during protein synthesis.

CTU1 is part of a conserved complex that includes another subunit, CTU2, which serves as a scaffold protein facilitating the enzymatic activity of CTU1 . The CTU1-CTU2 complex is responsible for modifying tRNAs such as tRNA Glu, tRNA Gln, and tRNA Lys, which are critical for protein synthesis and cellular function .

Biological Function of CTU1

CTU1 plays a pivotal role in various biological processes, including:

• Angiogenesis and Embryonic Development: Studies in zebrafish and human endothelial cells have shown that CTU1 is essential for angiogenesis and embryonic development. Deficiency in CTU1 leads to impaired angiogenesis, developmental defects, and alterations in cell cycle progression and signaling pathways .

• Translational Accuracy: The thiolation of tRNAs by CTU1 enhances codon-anticodon interaction, ensuring accurate translation of mRNAs into proteins. Misregulation of this process can lead to errors in protein synthesis, potentially affecting cellular function and integrity .

• Ribosomal Gene Expression: CTU1 has been linked to the regulation of ribosomal gene expression in endothelial cells, suggesting a broader role in maintaining cellular translational machinery .

Research Findings

Recent research highlights the importance of CTU1 in vertebrate models:

These studies underscore the critical role of CTU1 in developmental processes and cellular functions.

Clinical Implications

CTU1 has been associated with human diseases, including congenital heart defects and dysmorphic facial features . The enzyme's role in maintaining translational accuracy and its involvement in developmental processes suggest that dysregulation of CTU1 activity could contribute to various pathologies.

References PNAS: The conserved Wobble uridine tRNA thiolase Ctu1–Ctu2 is required for maintaining genome integrity. PMC: The conserved wobble uridine tRNA thiolase Ctu1 is required for angiogenesis and embryonic development. Nature: Genome-wide comparative analyses of correlated and uncorrelated traits. PMC: The conserved Wobble uridine tRNA thiolase Ctu1–Ctu2 is required to maintain genome integrity. NCBI Gene: CTU1 cytosolic thiouridylase subunit 1 [Homo sapiens]. PMC: Pathological mutations promote proteolysis of mitochondrial tRNA-specific 2-thiouridylase 1 (MTU1) via mitochondrial caseinolytic peptidase (CLPP). GeneCards: CTU1 Gene - Cytosolic Thiouridylase Subunit 1. PMC: The cytosolic thiouridylase CTU2 of Arabidopsis thaliana is essential for posttranscriptional thiolation of tRNAs and influences root development.