histone arginine N-methyltransferase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: S-adenosyl-L-methionine + (histone)-arginine = S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine + (histone)-N-methyl-arginine. [PMID:8002954]

Histone arginine N-methyltransferases (PRMTs) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to the guanidino nitrogen of arginine residues in histone proteins. This process is known as methylation and is a key epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression. PRMTs play a critical role in a variety of cellular processes, including transcription, DNA replication, and cell cycle progression. They are highly specific for arginine residues within histone tails, and their activity is often influenced by the presence of other histone modifications and by the specific sequence context of the target arginine. The methylation of histone arginine residues can have a variety of effects on gene expression, depending on the specific site and the degree of methylation. For example, methylation of histone H4 arginine 3 (H4R3) can activate gene transcription, while methylation of histone H3 arginine 17 (H3R17) can repress gene transcription. PRMTs also play a role in the regulation of other cellular processes, such as DNA replication and repair. The activity of PRMTs is regulated by a variety of factors, including the availability of SAM, the presence of other histone modifications, and the specific sequence context of the target arginine. They are also subject to regulation by other enzymes, such as kinases and phosphatases. The dysregulation of PRMT activity has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. '
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (14)