Journal Article

DKFZ-2026-02112

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png A formyl axis links metabolism to translation.

Niehrs, C. (Last author)DKFZ*

2026
Elsevier Science Amsterdam [u.a.]

Abstract: Initiator methionine tRNA is a key regulator of translation and cell growth. Recent work places formyl chemistry as a regulatory nexus across three molecular layers. In the protein layer, N-formylmethionine supports initiator tRNA recognition and stress-responsive proteostasis pathways. In the RNA layer, 5-formylcytidine at C34 of mitochondrial tRNAMet expands AUG/AUA decoding. In the DNA layer, 5-formylcytosine activates polymerase III transcription of tRNAiMet gene clusters during frog zygotic genome activation. Despite distinct formylation routes and readouts, these layers converge on translational regulation and share metabolic dependencies. One-carbon metabolism supplies methyl/formyl precursors, while mitochondrial and oxidative states influence formyl-mark installation through redox balance and α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase activity. Together, these layers suggest a formyl-dependent rheostat linking metabolic state to translation capacity.

Keyword(s): 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases ; epigenetic reprogramming ; epitranscriptomics ; folate cycle ; mitochondrial gene expression ; tRNA modification

Note: #LA:A050# / epub

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Molekulare Embryologie (A050)

Research Program(s):

1. 311 - Zellbiologie und Tumorbiologie (POF4-311) (POF4-311)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; BIOSIS Previews ; BIOSIS Reviews Reports And Meetings ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 10 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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