Protein Methyltransferase II refers to a class of enzymes involved in the process of protein methylation, specifically the transfer of a methyl group from a donor molecule to a protein substrate. These enzymes play a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes by adding a methyl group (-CH3) to specific amino acid residues on target proteins.
Protein methylation is a post-translational modification that can influence protein structure, stability, interactions, and enzymatic activity. Protein Methyltransferase II enzymes are responsible for catalyzing this modification, controlling the addition of methyl groups to target proteins. These enzymes use substrates such as S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a universal methyl donor, to transfer the methyl group onto the protein substrate.
Protein Methyltransferase II enzymes exhibit substrate specificity, recognizing specific target proteins and amino acid residues. Their activity can have diverse effects on protein function, including altering protein-protein interactions, DNA binding, signal transduction, and gene expression. Dysregulation of protein methylation has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
The classification of Protein Methyltransferase II encompasses a range of enzymes that are characterized by their catalytic domains and their target specificity. Examples of Protein Methyltransferase II enzymes include lysine methyltransferases and arginine methyltransferases.
In summary, Protein Methyltransferase II refers to a group of enzymes essential for protein methylation, controlling the addition of methyl groups to specific amino acids on target proteins and playing a crucial role in cellular regulation and various disease processes.
