New bifunctional restriction-modification enzyme AloI isoschizomer (PcoI): Bioinformatics analysis, purification and activity confirmation

Type II restriction endonucleases and modification DNA-methyltransferases are key instruments of genetic engineering. Recently the number of proteins assigned to this group exceeds 8500. Subtype IIC organizes bifunctional endonuclease-methyltransferase enzymes and currently consists of 16 described members. Here we present phylogenetic tree of 22 new potential bifunctional endonucleases. The majority of them are thought to be fusions of a restriction nuclease with a DNA-methyltransferase and a target recognition subunit of type I restriction-modification systems (R-M-S structure). A RM.AloI isoschizomer from Prevotella copri DSM-18205, PcoI, has been cloned, purified and its REase activity demonstrated. It cuts DNA in magnesium-dependent manner and demonstrates high affinity to DNA, which probably reflects its mechanism of action. This work provides additional proves that gene fusion might play an important role in evolution of restriction-modification systems and other DNA-modifying proteins.