[Prokaryotic DNA methyltransferases: the structure and the mechanism of interaction with DNA]

E S Gromova1, A V Khoroshaev

  • 1Chemical Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992 Russia. gromova@genebee.msu.ru

Insights

DNA methyltransferases (MTases) in prokaryotic systems are reviewed, detailing their structure, function, and base-flipping mechanism. Similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic MTases highlight the broad biological significance of DNA methylation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Context:

  • Focuses on prokaryotic type II restriction-modification systems.
  • Examines DNA methyltransferases (MTases).

Purpose:

  • To review current understanding of MTase function, structure, and mechanisms.
  • To highlight the base-flipping mechanism in DNA-protein interactions.

Summary:

  • Discusses MTase classification, structural features, and molecular mechanisms of DNA interaction and methylation.
  • Emphasizes the unique base-flipping process and its analytical methods.
  • Compares prokaryotic and eukaryotic MTases, noting structural and functional similarities.

Impact:

  • Enhances understanding of DNA methylation's biological significance.
  • Provides insights into DNA-modifying enzymes and their mechanisms.
  • Informs the development of MTase inhibitors.

Related Concept Videos

The DNA Helix01:27

The DNA Helix

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the genetic material responsible for passing traits from generation to generation in all organisms and most viruses. DNA is composed of two strands of nucleotides that wind around each other to form a double helix. The discovery of the structure of DNA occurred incrementally over nearly a century, representing one of the most famous and captivating stories in the history of science.DNA Structure in DetailEach strand of DNA consists of subunits called...
Mismatch Repair01:48

Mismatch Repair

Organisms are capable of detecting and fixing nucleotide mismatches that occur during DNA replication. This sophisticated process requires identifying the new strand and replacing the erroneous bases with correct nucleotides. Mismatch repair is coordinated by many proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch RepairThe human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
The DNA Helix01:07

The DNA Helix

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the genetic material responsible for passing traits from generation to generation in all organisms and most viruses. DNA is composed of two strands of nucleotides that wind around each other to form a spring-like structure called a double helix. However, the double helix is not perfectly symmetrical. Instead, there are regularly occurring grooves in the structure. The major groove occurs where the sugar-phosphate backbones are relatively far apart. This space...
Mismatch Repair01:20

Mismatch Repair

Organisms are capable of detecting and fixing nucleotide mismatches that occur during DNA replication. This sophisticated process requires identifying the new strand and replacing the erroneous bases with correct nucleotides. Mismatch repair is coordinated by many proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
Nucleic Acid Structure01:25

Nucleic Acid Structure

The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms  a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...
Transcription in Prokaryotes01:28

Transcription in Prokaryotes

Transcription is a highly regulated process that converts genetic information into RNA molecules. The transcription cycle is divided into three key stages: initiation, elongation, and termination, each driven by specific molecular mechanisms.Initiation of TranscriptionIn bacteria, transcription begins when the RNA polymerase core enzyme associates with a sigma factor to form a holoenzyme. For example, the E. coli sigma factor called σ70 forms a holoenzyme, which recognizes the -10 (Pribnow box)...