histone H4K20me methyltransferase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: N(6)-methyl-L-lysyl(20)-[histone H4] + S-adenosyl-L-methionine = H+ + N(6),N(6)-dimethyl-L-lysyl(20)-[histone H4] + S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine. This reaction is the addition of a methyl group to the monomethlyated lysine residue at position 20 of histone H4, producing H4K20me2. [RHEA:60348]

Histone H4K20 methyltransferase activity refers to the enzymatic process by which a methyl group is added to the lysine residue at position 20 (K20) of histone H4. This modification, known as histone H4 lysine 20 methylation (H4K20me), plays a crucial role in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. Histone H4K20 methyltransferases catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from a donor molecule, typically S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), to the ε-amino group of lysine 20 on histone H4. The degree of methylation can vary, resulting in mono-, di-, or trimethylated forms of H4K20 (H4K20me1, H4K20me2, and H4K20me3, respectively). Each methylation state of H4K20 is associated with distinct functions. H4K20me1 is generally linked to active transcription, while H4K20me2 and H4K20me3 are associated with repressive chromatin states. H4K20me2 is involved in heterochromatin formation and DNA repair, while H4K20me3 is primarily found at pericentric heterochromatin and plays a role in silencing transposable elements and maintaining genome stability. The precise molecular mechanisms by which H4K20 methylation influences gene expression are complex and involve interactions with other chromatin-associated proteins. For instance, H4K20me2 can recruit proteins like HP1 (heterochromatin protein 1), which further condense chromatin and silence gene expression. H4K20me3, on the other hand, can interact with proteins involved in DNA replication and repair, ensuring proper genomic integrity. In summary, histone H4K20 methyltransferase activity is a key regulatory mechanism that modulates chromatin structure and gene expression through the specific methylation states of histone H4K20. This activity is essential for various cellular processes, including DNA replication, repair, and transcription, and its dysregulation can contribute to various diseases.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (2)