Modification of DNA by a viral enzyme and charged tRNA

Bacteriophage enzymes synthesize varied and complex DNA hypermodifications. The enzyme encoded by the phage Mu gene mom is necessary for post-replicative carbamoylmethyl addition to the exocyclic amine of deoxyadenosine in DNA during the lytic phase of the viral life-cycle. The molecular details of this modification reaction, including the molecular origins of the modification itself, have long eluded understanding. Here, we demonstrate that Mom co-opts the translational machinery of the host by harvesting activated glycine from charged tRNAGly to hypermodify adenine. Based on this insight, we report the first in vitro reconstitution of the Mu hypermodification from purified components. Using isotope labeling, we demonstrate that the carbamoyl nitrogen of the Mom modification is derived from the N 6 of adenine, indicating an on-base rearrangement of the N 6 aminoacylation product, possibly via a cyclic intermediate. Informed by the X-ray crystal structure of Mom, we have probed the location of the active site, identified a novel insertion, and established substrate specificities of the Mom enzyme. ### Competing Interest Statement R.M.B.S, Y.J.L., C.G., E.A.S., S.R.L., and P.R.W. are employees of New England Biolabs, a manufacturer and vendor of molecular biology reagents. This affiliation does not affect the authors' impartiality, adherence to journal standards and policies, or availability of data.