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DNA Methyltransferases (EC 2.1.1.72 and EC 2.1.1.73)

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Enzymes of Molecular Biology

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 16))

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Abstract

DNA methyltransferases (Mtases) catalyze the transfer of the S-methyl group of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to deoxycytosine (dC) or deoxyadenine (dA) bases within defined DNA sequences (1). Individual enzymes are specific for one or the other base, and modify at the 6-NH2 of dA (EC 2.1.1.72) or at the N4 or 5-C position of dC (EC 2.1.1.73) depending on the particular enzyme (2). The reaction is predominantly irreversible. Enzymes, such as O 6-methylguanine DNA Mtase, that participate in DNA repair processes will not be discussed here.

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© 1993 Humana Press Inc.

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Hornby, D.P. (1993). DNA Methyltransferases (EC 2.1.1.72 and EC 2.1.1.73). In: Burrell, M.M. (eds) Enzymes of Molecular Biology. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 16. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-234-5:201

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-234-5:201

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-322-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-503-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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