title: Studies on the biological role of DNA methylation: inhibition of methylation and maturation of the bacteriophage phichi174 by nicotinamide.
abstract: Nicotinamide was found to be a potent inhibitor of DNA methylation in vivo without interfering with protein or DNA synthesis. The inhibition of DNA methylation in a phage-infected cell resulted in a parallel decrease in the production of viable virus particles. In vitro experiments revealed that nicotinamide inhibits DNA methylase activity in a competitive fashion with respect to S-adenosylmethionine and non-competitively with respect to DNA. These results were interpreted to mean that DNA methylation is an essential step in the process of maturation of the bacteriophage phichi174.
mesh_terms: D003090:Coliphages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D007700:Kinetics; D008780:Methyltransferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000494:pharmacology; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D009536:Niacinamide; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine; D008780:Methyltransferases; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases