DNA Methyltransferases (EC 2.1.1.72 and EC 2.1.1.73)

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.