Structural insights into DNA N6-adenine methylation by the MTA1 complex

Abstract

N6-methyldeoxyadenine (6mA) has recently been reported as a prevalent DNA modification in eukaryotes. The Tetrahymena thermophila MTA1 complex consisting of four subunits, namely MTA1, MTA9, p1, and p2, is the first identified eukaryotic 6mA methyltransferase (MTase) complex. Unlike the prokaryotic 6mA MTases which have been biochemically and structurally characterized, the operation mode of the MTA1 complex remains largely elusive. Here, we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structures of the quaternary MTA1 complex in S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)-bound (2.6 Å) and S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH)-bound (2.8 Å) states. Using an AI-empowered integrative approach based on AlphaFold prediction and chemical cross-linking mass spectrometry, we further modeled a near-complete structure of the quaternary complex. Coupled with biochemical characterization, we revealed that MTA1 serves as the catalytic core, MTA1, MTA9, and p1 likely accommodate the substrate DNA, and p2 may facilitate the stabilization of MTA1. These results together offer insights into the molecular mechanism underpinning methylation by the MTA1 complex and the potential diversification of MTases for N6-adenine methylation.