Part:BBa_K200001

Dam methylase -> Dam

The methylase encoded by the dam gene ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dam_(methylase) Dam methylase]) transfers a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to the N6 position of the adenine residues in the sequence GATC. When methylation occurs in the recognition site of a particular group of restriction endonuclease including MboI, this protects the DNA from cleavage.

Usage and Biology

DAM methylase (DNA adenine methylase) adds a methyl group to the adenine of the sequence 5'-GATC-3'in newly synthesized DNA. Dam methylases are important for several biological functions:

• [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_replication DNA replication]
• [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mismatch_repair DNA mismatch repair]
• Regulation of protein expression.

In the E.ncapsulator project, Dam methylases are used to protect the DNA from being destroyed by restriction enzymes DpnII and TaqI.

Figure: Action of Dam methylase (source: #Dam1)

The gene was used alongside with the restriction enzymes TaqI and the DpnII by the Imperial iGEM 2009 [http://2009.igem.org/Team:Imperial_College_London The E.ncapsulator] project as part of the genome deletion module. The Dam (methylase) is used to prevent genome restriction due to basal expression of the restriction enzymes.

Sequence and Features

Assembly Compatibility:

• 10
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[10]
• 12
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[12]
• 21
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[21]

  Illegal BamHI site found at 306
  
• 23
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[23]
• 25
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[25]
• 1000
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[1000]

References

<biblio>#Dam1 http://fangman-brewer.genetics.washington.edu/hemimethylation.html</biblio>