Human C6orf211 Encodes Armt1, a Protein Carboxyl Methyltransferase that Targets PCNA and Is Linked to the DNA Damage Response

•A SAM-dependent carboxyl methyltransferase specifically targets PCNA in human cells•C6orf211 encodes Armt1, a DUF89 protein family member of unknown function•Armt1 is capable of methylating both itself and the DNA sliding clamp PCNA•Armt1 plays differential roles in the DNA damage response of SK-Br-3 and MCF7 cells

SummaryRecent evidence supports the presence of an L-glutamyl methyltransferase(s) in eukaryotic cells, but this enzyme class has been defined only in certain prokaryotic species. Here, we characterize the human C6orf211 gene product as “acidic residue methyltransferase-1” (Armt1), an enzyme that specifically targets proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in breast cancer cells, predominately methylating glutamate side chains. Armt1 homologs share structural similarities with the SAM-dependent methyltransferases, and negative regulation of activity by automethylation indicates a means for cellular control. Notably, shRNA-based knockdown of Armt1 expression in two breast cancer cell lines altered survival in response to genotoxic stress. Increased sensitivity to UV, adriamycin, and MMS was observed in SK-Br-3 cells, while in contrast, increased resistance to these agents was observed in MCF7 cells. Together, these results lay the foundation for defining the mechanism by which this post-translational modification operates in the DNA damage response (DDR).

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