Publication Abstract from PubMed
AdoMet-dependent methylation of histones is part of the "histone code" that can profoundly influence gene expression. We describe the crystal structure of Neurospora DIM-5, a histone H3 lysine 9 methyltranferase (HKMT), determined at 1.98 A resolution, as well as results of biochemical characterization and site-directed mutagenesis of key residues. This SET domain protein bears no structural similarity to previously characterized AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases but includes notable features such as a triangular Zn3Cys9 zinc cluster in the pre-SET domain and a AdoMet binding site in the SET domain essential for methyl transfer. The structure suggests a mechanism for the methylation reaction and provides the structural basis for functional characterization of the HKMT family and the SET domain.
Structure of the Neurospora SET domain protein DIM-5, a histone H3 lysine methyltransferase.,Zhang X, Tamaru H, Khan SI, Horton JR, Keefe LJ, Selker EU, Cheng X Cell. 2002 Oct 4;111(1):117-27. PMID:12372305[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
