Universal Assay for Methyltransferases.

Sevivo, Llc, Omaha NE

Investigators

Abstract

The overarching goal of this proposal is to improve upon the current assays that monitor S- Adenosylmethionine-dependent enzymes and ATP-dependent enzymes. ATP and S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) are the two most common substrates in all living organisms. Having recently shown that the bacterial enzyme Methylthioadenosine Nucleosidase (MTAN) can readily bind the products (ADP and S-adenosylhomocysteine) derived from enzymatic reactions using either of these substrates, we propose to engineer new variants of this enzyme to improve affinity to these compounds. These variants will form the basis for mix-and-read, continuous assays that can be coupled to any ATP or AdoMet-utilizing enzyme. The first portion of the study will make MTAN variants and test them for binding to either AdoMet or AdoHcy to assess affinity. In the second aim, other MTAN variants will be made and affinity to ATP, ADP, and AMP will be tested. It is expected that results obtained from this study will product two marketable products for in vitro enzymatic testing: one for AdoMet-dependent enzymes and one for ATP-dependent enzymes.