Open AccessIdentification and characterization of a Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum gene encoding a DNA adenine methyltransferase
Author(s) -
Stamm Lola V,
Greene Shermalyn R,
Barnes Natalie Y,
Bergen Heather L,
Hardham John M
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1997.tb12694.x
Subject(s) - biology , methyltransferase , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , restriction enzyme , dna , treponema , genetics , dna methyltransferase , nucleic acid sequence , methylation , virology , syphilis , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv)
The nucleotide sequence of a DNA adenine methyltransferase gene ( dam ) from Treponema pallidum has been determined. Southern blot analysis of T. pallidum chromosomal DNA indicated that this gene is present as a single copy. The dam gene encodes a 303 amino acid protein whose deduced sequence has significant homology with DNA ( N 6 ‐adenine) methyltransferases. T. pallidum Dam can be assigned to group α DNA amino methyltransferases based on the order of nine conserved motifs that are present in the protein. Digests of T. pallidum chromosomal DNA performed with isoschizomer restriction endonucleases ( Sau 3AI, Dpn I, and Mbo I) confirmed the presence of methylated adenine residues in GATC sequences (Dam + phenotype).