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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Sequence-specific Labeling of Nucleic Acids and Proteins with Methyltransferases and Cofactor Analogues
Published on: November 22, 2014
SAM/SAH Analogs as Versatile Tools for SAM-Dependent Methyltransferases
Jing Zhang1, Yujun George Zheng1
1Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia 30602, United States.
S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) analogs are versatile tools. They function as synthetic cofactors for methyltransferases (MTases) and as selective inhibitors, advancing chemical biology research.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) is a crucial biological cofactor.
- SAM acts as the primary methyl donor for SAM-dependent methyltransferases (MTases).
- Transmethylation by SAM is vital for epigenetic regulation, cellular signaling, and metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) analogs.
- To highlight the application of SAM analogs as chemical biology tools for methyltransferases (MTases).
Main Methods:
- Development of novel SAM analogs as synthetic cofactors.
- Design of SAM-derived compounds as selective MTase inhibitors.
Main Results:
- SAM analogs facilitate the transfer of activated groups to MTase substrates.
- New SAM-based compounds demonstrate selective inhibition of key MTase targets.
- These analogs serve as valuable tools for studying MTase function.
Conclusions:
- SAM analogs represent a significant development in chemical biology.
- They offer versatile applications as both tools and therapeutic leads for MTase-related research.
- Further exploration of SAM analogs will enhance our understanding of methyltransferase biology.
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