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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Sequence-specific Labeling of Nucleic Acids and Proteins with Methyltransferases and Cofactor Analogues
12:07

Sequence-specific Labeling of Nucleic Acids and Proteins with Methyltransferases and Cofactor Analogues

Published on: November 22, 2014

[The ability of bacterial dna methyltransferases to use methylcobalamine as a cofactor in DNA methylation reactions]

A Iu Lebionka, V I Melvidas

    Biomeditsinskaia Khimiia
    |July 21, 2007
    PubMed

    Insights

    Bacterial DNA methyltransferases can utilize methyl-cobalamin for DNA methylation, but not methyl-methionine. This study investigates cofactor utilization in enzymatic DNA modification processes.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Enzymology
    • Biochemistry

    Context:

    • Bacterial DNA methyltransferases are enzymes crucial for DNA modification.
    • Understanding cofactor requirements is essential for elucidating methylation mechanisms.
    • Investigating methyl-cobalamin and methyl-methionine as potential cofactors.

    Purpose:

    • To determine if bacterial DNA methyltransferases can use methyl-cobalamin and methyl-methionine as cofactors for DNA methylation in vitro.
    • To compare the efficacy of these two potential cofactors.

    Summary:

    • Eleven bacterial DNA methyltransferases (Alu I, Cfr I, Cfr 6, Cfr 10, Eco RI, Eco RII, Msp I, Mva I, Pvu I, Pvu II, and Sau 3A) were tested for their ability to perform DNA methylation using methyl-cobalamin and methyl-methionine.
    • The results demonstrate that all tested enzymes successfully utilized methyl-cobalamin as a cofactor.
    • However, none of the enzymes could use methyl-methionine for DNA methylation.

    Impact:

    • Provides critical insights into the cofactor specificity of bacterial DNA methyltransferases.
    • Clarifies the role of methyl-cobalamin in enzymatic DNA methylation.
    • Contributes to the fundamental understanding of DNA modification pathways in bacteria.

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