Catalytic methyltransferase enzyme

Catalytic methyltransferase enzymes are a broad class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from a donor molecule—almost always S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)—to diverse biological substrates including DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and small molecules[1][3][6][7]. They are essential regulators of epigenetic processes by methylating nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), thereby influencing gene expression, chromatin structure, and cellular differentiation without altering the underlying DNA sequence[1][3][7]. They also play critical roles in the post-translational modification of proteins, affecting protein-protein interactions, stability, and function[7]. Dysregulation of methyltransferase activity is associated with disease states such as cancer, developmental disorders, and some infections[1][7]. Therapeutically, specific methyltransferases (like DNA methyltransferases and RNA methyltransferases such as METTL3) are validated drug targets, with inhibitors in clinical or preclinical development against various cancers and other diseases[8][5][3]. However, the phrase "catalytic methyltransferase enzymes" is not the canonical name for a single target but rather refers generically to the enzymatic class with diverse family members and substrate preferences, so target-specific information (e.g., for DNMT1, DNMT3A, METTL3, etc.) should be provided for structured queries. Notes regarding correctness: - The term "catalytic methyltransferase enzymes" is overly broad and refers to an entire class of enzymes, not a specific molecule or therapeutic target[7]; therefore, is_incorrect is true for target specificity. - For structured data or drug discovery, specific methyltransferase enzyme names (e.g., DNA methyltransferase 1, METTL3) should be used rather than this umbrella term.

Other names

MethyltransferaseMethyltransferase enzymeSAM-dependent methyltransferaseS-adenosylmethionine–dependent methyltransferase

Inhibition of methyl group transfer to nucleic acids or proteins, Epigenetic modulation, Blockade of gene silencing or activation