title: Detection of a CpA methylase in an insect system: characterization and substrate specificity.
abstract: A cytosine-specific DNA methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.37) has been purified to near homogeneity from a mealybug (Planococcus lilacinus). The enzyme can methylate cytosine residues in CpG sequences as well as CpA sequences. The apparent molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated as 135,000 daltons by FPLC. The enzyme exhibits a processive mode of action and a salt dependence similar to mammalian methylases. Mealybug methylase exhibits a preference for denatured DNA substrates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Devajyothi
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brahmachari
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000201:enzymology*; D015257:DNA-Cytosine Methylases / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005260:Female; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D008745:Methylation; D011189:Potassium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism; D013379:Substrate Specificity
chemical_list: D012313:RNA; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D015257:DNA-Cytosine Methylases