Protein Lysine Methyltransferase (PKMT) is an enzyme responsible for the addition of a methyl group to the lysine amino acid residues of proteins. Lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a crucial role in regulating protein structure, function, and cellular processes. PKMTs are a class of enzymes that specifically recognize lysine residues on target proteins and catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from a donor molecule to the ε-amino group of lysine.
The addition of methyl groups to lysine can have diverse effects on protein activity and function, influencing protein-protein interactions, transcriptional regulation, chromatin structure, and signal transduction pathways. The modification can serve as a switch that turns on or off specific protein functions by either activating or repressing gene expression, altering protein stability, or modulating protein localization within the cell.
PKMTs are a diverse group of enzymes, with different members exhibiting specificity for particular lysine residues and distinct target proteins. They play critical roles in a range of biological processes, including development, differentiation, cell growth, and immune responses. Dysregulation of PKMT activity has been associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
Understanding the function and regulation of PKMTs is essential for unraveling the complex mechanisms underlying cellular processes and disease pathogenesis. It offers promising opportunities for the development of therapeutics targeting PKMTs and their associated pathways in the treatment of various human diseases.
