Studies on the biological role of DNA methylation: inhibition of methylation and maturation of the bacteriophage phichi174 by nicotinamide. |
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Authors: | A Razin D Goren J Friedman |
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Abstract: | Nicotinamide was found to be a potent inhibitor of DNA methylation in vivo without interfering with protein or DNA synthesis. The inhibition of DNA methylation in a phage-infected cell resulted in a parallel decrease in the production of viable virus particles. In vitro experiments revealed that nicotinamide inhibits DNA methylase activity in a competitive fashion with respect to S-adenosylmethionine and non-competitively with respect to DNA. These results were interpreted to mean that DNA methylation is an essential step in the process of maturation of the bacteriophage phichi174. |
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