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[Molecular enzymology of phage T4 Dam DNA-methyltransferase]

V V Zinov'ev, A A Evdokimov, S Hattman

    Molekuliarnaia Biologiia
    |November 24, 2004
    PubMed

    Insights

    Phage T4 Dam DNA-methyltransferase (T4Dam) transfers methyl groups to adenine in GATC sequences. This review details its molecular mechanisms, including DNA-induced dimerization and base flipping.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Enzymology
    • Biochemistry

    Context:

    • Phage T4 Dam DNA-methyltransferase (T4Dam) is a key enzyme in DNA modification.
    • Understanding its mechanism is crucial for DNA research and biotechnology.
    • The enzyme recognizes the GATC sequence for methylation.

    Purpose:

    • To review the molecular mechanisms of T4Dam action.
    • To elucidate the enzyme's structure, kinetics, and substrate interactions.
    • To discuss DNA-induced dimerization, base flipping, and processive methylation.

    Summary:

    • T4Dam catalyzes methyl group transfer from S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) to adenine within the GATC recognition site.
    • The review covers enzyme subunit structure, kinetic parameters, and reaction schemes.
    • Mechanisms such as DNA-induced dimerization, target base flipping, and enzyme reorientation are detailed.

    Impact:

    • Provides insights into the function of T4Dam and related DNA methyltransferases.
    • Facilitates understanding of DNA methylation processes.
    • Potential applications in genetic engineering and epigenetics research.

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