Target type: molecularfunction
Catalysis of the reaction: S-adenosyl-L-methionine + an amine = S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine + a methylated amine. [EC:2.1.1.49]
Amine N-methyltransferase activity is a critical enzymatic function involved in the transfer of a methyl group from a donor molecule, typically S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), to an amine substrate. This process leads to the formation of a methylamine derivative and S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH) as a byproduct. The methylated amine product can have significantly altered properties compared to its precursor, impacting its biological function.
This enzymatic activity plays a diverse role in various biological processes, including:
- **Neurotransmitter synthesis:** Many neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, are synthesized through amine N-methyltransferase activity. These neurotransmitters regulate mood, behavior, and cognitive function.
- **Hormone synthesis:** Hormones like melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, are also synthesized by amine N-methyltransferases.
- **Detoxification:** Some amine N-methyltransferases participate in detoxifying harmful substances by converting them into less toxic forms.
- **Cellular signaling:** Methylated amines can act as signaling molecules, mediating cellular processes like cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.
- **Gene regulation:** Methylation of DNA and histone proteins, regulated by amine N-methyltransferases, can affect gene expression.
The specificity of amine N-methyltransferases is determined by their active site, which interacts with specific amine substrates. This specificity enables them to catalyze a diverse array of reactions with distinct biological outcomes.
Overall, amine N-methyltransferase activity is a fundamental molecular process with broad implications for cellular function and organismal physiology.'
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Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
---|---|---|
Indolethylamine N-methyltransferase | An indolethylamine N-methyltransferase that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:O95050] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
---|---|---|---|
sinefungin | adenosines; non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid | antifungal agent; antimicrobial agent | |
1,8-diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-ene | |||
s-adenosylhomocysteine | S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine : An organic sulfide that is the S-adenosyl derivative of L-homocysteine. S-Adenosylhomocysteine: 5'-S-(3-Amino-3-carboxypropyl)-5'-thioadenosine. Formed from S-adenosylmethionine after transmethylation reactions. | adenosines; amino acid zwitterion; homocysteine derivative; homocysteines; organic sulfide | cofactor; EC 2.1.1.72 [site-specific DNA-methyltransferase (adenine-specific)] inhibitor; EC 2.1.1.79 (cyclopropane-fatty-acyl-phospholipid synthase) inhibitor; epitope; fundamental metabolite |
5'-methylthioadenosine | 5'-methylthioadenosine: structure 5'-S-methyl-5'-thioadenosine : Adenosine with the hydroxy group at C-5' substituted with a methylthio (methylsulfanyl) group. | thioadenosine | algal metabolite; Escherichia coli metabolite; human metabolite; mouse metabolite; Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite |