Growth-dependent expression of multiple species of DNA methyltransferase in murine erythroleukemia cells.

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Abstract
Friend murine erythroleukemia cells were found to contain 3 distinct species of DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase (DNA MeTase) whose relative proportions were a characteristic function of the proliferative state of the cells. Rapidly proliferating cells contained a MW 190,000 species of DNA MeTase (DNA MeTase III), whereas cells in the late logarithmic/early plateau phase of cellular growth contained 2 spp. of MW 150,000 and 175,000 (DNA MeTases I and II); stationary phase cells contained primarily DNA MeTase I. The 3 spp. of DNA MeTase displayed structural similarities, as determined by analysis of partial proteolysis products, and have similar de novo sequence specificities in transmethylation reactions involving purified enzyme and prokaryotic DNA. The different relative proportions of the enzymes in cells udner different growth conditions suggest that the 3 spp. of DNA MeTase fulfill different roles in processes leading to the perpetuation of DNA methylation patterns.