Contains an [4Fe-4S] cluster [2]. This enzyme is a member of the ‘AdoMet radical’ (radical SAM) family. S-adenosyl-L-methionine acts as both a radical generator and as the source of the appended methyl group. RlmN first transfers an CH2 group to a conserved cysteine (Cys355 in Escherichia coli) [6], the generated radical from a second S-adenosyl-L-methionine then attacks the methyl group, exctracting a hydrogen. The formed radical forms a covalent intermediate with the adenine group of the tRNA [9]. RlmN is an endogenous enzyme used by the cell to refine functions of the ribosome in protein synthesis [2]. The enzyme methylates adenosine by a radical mechanism with CH2 from the S-adenosyl-L-methionine and retention of the hydrogen at C-2 of adenosine2503 of 23S rRNA. It will also methylate 8-methyladenosine2503 of 23S rRNA. cf. EC 2.1.1.224 [23S rRNA (adenine2503-C8)-methyltransferase].
