FAM119A Inhibitors

Methyltransferase 21A, also known as HSPA lysine methyltransferase, is an enzyme involved in the post-translational modification of proteins through the addition of methyl groups to lysine residues. This enzyme is encoded by the METTL21A gene and belongs to the family of methyltransferases, which play critical roles in various cellular processes, including gene expression regulation, chromatin organization, and protein function modulation.Methyltransferase 21A specifically catalyzes the methylation of lysine residues within the heat shock protein family A (HSPA), including HSPA1, HSPA5, and possibly other related proteins. Heat shock proteins are chaperones involved in protein folding, degradation, and stress response pathways. The methylation of lysine residues within these proteins may impact their stability, localization, and interactions with other cellular components, thereby influencing cellular homeostasis and stress response mechanisms.

The precise biological significance of lysine methylation by methyltransferase 21A is still under investigation. However, emerging evidence suggests potential roles in regulating the function of heat shock proteins, which are essential for cellular survival under stressful conditions such as heat shock, oxidative stress, and proteotoxic stress.Moreover, dysregulation of methyltransferase 21A activity or expression may have implications in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes. Altered methylation patterns of heat shock proteins could disrupt their functions, leading to cellular dysfunction and disease progression. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways involving methyltransferase 21A is crucial for elucidating its physiological roles. Further research into its substrate specificity, interaction partners, and cellular functions will provide insights into its significance in health and disease.