Search

The gene coding for Escherichia coli dam methylase was isolated from a dam+ K12 strain by the PCR method. The gene was subcloned into an overexpression vector under the control of the strong lambda PL promoter. The resultant construct produced the dam methylase at about 20% of total cellular protein. Purification of the protein was achieved with two chromatography columns and yielded 6 mg of pure methylase per gram cell paste. The methylase readily methylates the synthetic dodecamer GACTGATCAGTC containing its recognition sequence (underlined). It also methylates a synthetic dodecamer containing the EcoRV recognition sequence GATATC. However, methyl transfer is to the second adenine in the EcoRV sequence.

The gene for the Eco RV methylase has been cloned into a plasmid under control of the strong lambda PL promoter and overexpressed in E. coli. This plasmid, pVIC1, gives reliable overexpression of the methylase at levels of about 20% of total protein. Maximum yields of soluble protein are achieved after about 6 hours of induction. If the cells are harvested later than this much of the enzyme is found in the pellet fraction following centrifugation. A two column purification scheme using phosphocellulose and Blue-Sepharose chromatography has been developed. This yielded pure methylase in amounts of 5mg per gram E. coli cell paste. The enzyme is monomeric and methylates the first deoxyadenosine residue in its recognition sequence GATATC.