Methyl-coenzyme M, an intermediate in methanogenic dissimilation of C1 compounds by Methanosarcina barkeri

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Abstract
Extracts of M. barkeri possess a specific methyltransferase that catalyzes the transfer of the methyl group of methanol to 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid. Over a 4-fold range in added 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid, the formation of 2-(methylthio)ethanesulfonic acid exhibited a 1:1 ratio to 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic added. This reaction required ATP; a maximal ratio (mol/mol) of 85 methyl groups was transferred per ATP added. The methyltransferase was found in extracts of methanol-grown cells and in extracts of hydrogen-grown cells. In extracts of cells grown on either substrate, 2-(methylthio)ethanesulfonic acid was formed from added methanol or methylamine but not from acetate.