Alkylated DNA repair protein alkB homolog 8 (Alkbh8)

Catalyzes the methylation of 5-carboxymethyl uridine into 5-methylcarboxymethyl uridine in the wobble position of the anticodon loop in tRNA via its methyltransferase domain (PubMed:20123966). Catalyzes the previous step in the formation of 5- methylcarboxymethyl uridine in the wobble position of the anticodon loop in target tRNA (PubMed:20123966).

Has a preference for tRNA(Arg) and tRNA(Glu), and does not bind tRNA(Lys) (By similarity). Binds tRNA and catalyzes the iron and alpha- ketoglutarate dependent hydroxylation of 5-methylcarboxymethyl uridine in the wobble position of the anticodon loop in tRNA via its dioxygenase domain, giving rise to 5-(S)- methoxycarbonylhydroxymethyluridine; has a preference for tRNA(Gly) (PubMed:20583019).