A08 How VIRMA Shapes m6A-Driven Transcript Modifications (A08*)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 439669440

The modification of mRNA generating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is catalyzed by METTL3–METTL14 methyltransferase complex and depends on different cofactors. This project explores how the largest of these cofactors, VIRMA, orchestrates m6A deposition to regulate transcription, RNA processing and stability, promoting cancer cell survival. Using structural biology and transcriptome profiling, this study will uncover how cancer-associated VIRMA mutations alter m6A modification profiles and influence tumor progression.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 319: RMaP: RNA Modification and Processing
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Heads: Professorin Michaela Frye, Ph.D.; Dr. Martin Hengesbach