Riboregulated Enzymes

Enzymes are fundamental to life, catalyzing biochemical reactions with remarkable specificity and efficiency. However, their activity is not only regulated by traditional protein-based mechanisms but also by RNA molecules, leading to a unique class of riboregulated enzymes. These RNA-mediated regulatory processes play a crucial role in cellular metabolism, gene expression, and adaptation to environmental changes.

This research focuses on SHMT1 (serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1), a key enzyme involved in one-carbon metabolism, which is critical for nucleotide synthesis and methylation reactions. By investigating how RNA interactions influence SHMT1 activity and regulation, we aim to uncover novel mechanisms of enzyme control, with potential implications for cancer metabolism and targeted therapies.

This work is headed by Prof. Francesca Cutruzzolà from the Sapienza Università di Roma..

Spizzichino S, Di Fonzo F, Marabelli C, Tramonti A, Chaves-Sanjuan A, Parroni A, Boumis G, Liberati FR, Paone A, Montemiglio LC, Ardini M, Jakobi AJ, Bharadwaj A, Swuec P, Tartaglia GG, Paiardini A, Contestabile R, Mai A, Rotili D, Fiorentino F, Macone A, Giorgi A, Tria G, Rinaldo S, Bolognesi M, Giardina G, Cutruzzolà F. Structure-based mechanism of riboregulation of the metabolic enzyme SHMT1. Mol Cell. 2024 Jul 25;84(14):2682-2697.e6.