YTHDC1
YTHDC1 (YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein C1, also known as YT521, YT521-B and KIAA1966) is a nuclear reader of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified RNA. It regulates alternative splicing, mRNA nuclear export and other RNA-dependent processes. Browse Assay Genie's current range of YTHDC1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
YTHDC1 specifically recognises and binds RNAs containing N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a modification found at internal sites of mRNAs and some non-coding RNAs that influences splicing efficiency, processing and stability. The protein is a key regulator of exon inclusion versus exon skipping. It binds m6A-containing mRNAs and promotes recruitment of the splicing factor SRSF3 to its binding elements next to m6A sites, leading to exon inclusion. Because interaction with SRSF3 prevents interaction with SRSF10, a promoter of exon skipping, YTHDC1 also limits SRSF10 binding near m6A-containing regions. It may also regulate alternative splice site selection.
Beyond splicing, YTHDC1 contributes to nuclear export of m6A-containing mRNAs: its interaction with SRSF3 facilitates binding of the mRNA to both SRSF3 and NXF1. It is involved in S-adenosyl-L-methionine homeostasis, probably by binding m6A-containing MAT2A transcripts and so regulating their expression. It also binds m6A on other RNA molecules and on single-stranded DNA, and it recognises m6A-containing Xist RNA, promoting Xist-mediated transcriptional repression during random X inactivation. In germline development, it is required for spermatogonial development in males and for oocyte growth and maturation in females, probably through alternative splicing.
Independently of its reader activity, YTHDC1 regulates PPARG stability by blocking its interaction with the E3 ubiquitin ligase ARIH2, protecting PPARG from proteasomal degradation and contributing to brown adipose tissue development and energy homeostasis. The YTHDC1 gene is a member of the HGNC group of YTH domain containing N6-methyladenosine readers, and the protein localises to the nucleus and nuclear speckles. Mouse and rat orthologs are both named Ythdc1.
YTHDC1 is a nuclear m6A reader, making it central to studies of how internal mRNA methylation shapes splicing, processing and stability.
It governs exon inclusion and skipping through interactions with SRSF3 and SRSF10, offering a route into splice factor competition near m6A sites.
Interaction with SRSF3 helps m6A-containing mRNAs engage NXF1, so YTHDC1 is relevant to research on nuclear export of modified transcripts.
YTHDC1 is required for spermatogonial and oocyte development and stabilises PPARG in brown adipose tissue, linking RNA reading to development and energy homeostasis.
YTHDC1 binds m6A-containing RNA in the nucleus and regulates alternative splicing, favouring exon inclusion through recruitment of SRSF3. It also promotes nuclear export of m6A-modified mRNAs, helps regulate MAT2A expression, and supports Xist-mediated transcriptional repression.
YTHDC1 is also called YT521, YT521-B and KIAA1966, and was previously named YTH domain containing 1. The UniProt protein name is YTH domain-containing protein 1. It belongs to the HGNC group of YTH domain containing N6-methyladenosine readers.
Mouse and rat both have an ortholog named Ythdc1; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity. The protein is required for spermatogonial development in males and oocyte growth and maturation in females, and it supports brown adipose tissue development through PPARG stabilisation.
Splicing factors, mRNA export proteins and PPARG pathway partners connected with YTHDC1 function.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q96MU7; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.