Function
Monomethyamine methyltransferase (MtmB) initiates methanogenesis from mono-, di- and trimethylamines. The genes contain a UAG codon which is decoded by a special tRNA as Pyrrolysine. The pyrrolysine activates and optimally orients methylamine for methyl transfer[1]. Pyrrolysine is considered as the 22st amino acid.
Structural highlights
Pyrrolysine, encoded by the UAG codon is observed in the active site of MtmB[2].
3D structures of monomethyamine methyltransferase
Monomethyamine methyltransferase 3D structures
- ↑ Krzycki JA. Function of genetically encoded pyrrolysine in corrinoid-dependent methylamine methyltransferases. Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2004 Oct;8(5):484-91. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2004.08.012. PMID:15450490 doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2004.08.012
- ↑ Hao B, Gong W, Ferguson TK, James CM, Krzycki JA, Chan MK. A new UAG-encoded residue in the structure of a methanogen methyltransferase. Science. 2002 May 24;296(5572):1462-6. PMID:12029132 doi:10.1126/science.1069556
