methylation-dependent protein binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a protein upon methylation of the target protein. [PMID:26060076]

Methylation-dependent protein binding is a molecular function that involves the specific recognition and interaction of proteins with methylated molecules. This type of binding is crucial for a wide range of cellular processes, including:

- **Chromatin regulation:** Methylation of DNA and histone proteins plays a critical role in regulating gene expression. Methylation-dependent protein binding allows specific proteins, such as methyl CpG binding proteins (MBDs) or histone methyltransferases (HMTs), to recognize and bind to methylated DNA or histone tails, respectively. This binding can recruit other proteins, such as transcription factors or chromatin remodeling complexes, to modulate gene activity.

- **Signal transduction:** Methylation of proteins can act as a switch to alter protein-protein interactions or enzyme activity. Methylation-dependent protein binding allows specific proteins to recognize and interact with methylated proteins, transmitting signals within the cell.

- **Cellular differentiation and development:** Methylation patterns are dynamically regulated during development, influencing cell fate decisions. Methylation-dependent protein binding plays a crucial role in this process by mediating the recognition of specific methylation marks and triggering downstream events that promote differentiation.

- **Immune response:** Methylation of immune receptors and signaling molecules can modulate immune cell activation and cytokine production. Methylation-dependent protein binding allows specific proteins to recognize and interact with methylated immune molecules, contributing to the regulation of immune responses.

- **Disease pathogenesis:** Dysregulation of methylation-dependent protein binding has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and autoimmune diseases.

The molecular mechanism of methylation-dependent protein binding involves specific interactions between the methylated molecule and the protein binding site. The binding can be mediated by various mechanisms, including:

- **Direct interaction:** The methyl group itself can directly interact with specific amino acid residues in the protein binding site.
- **Indirect interaction:** The methyl group can create a specific conformation change in the target molecule, facilitating its recognition by the protein.
- **Conformation change:** The binding of a protein to a methylated molecule can induce a conformational change in the protein, exposing additional binding sites or altering its activity.

In summary, methylation-dependent protein binding is a fundamental molecular mechanism that regulates a wide range of cellular processes. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for unraveling the complexities of gene expression, signal transduction, cellular differentiation, and disease pathogenesis.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (5)