Converts bergaptol into bergapten, which has therapeutic potential in the treatment of psoriasis as it has photosensitizing and antiproliferative activities [4]. The enzyme methylates the 5-hydroxy group of some hydroxy- and methylcoumarins, such as 5-hydroxyxanthotoxin, but has little activity on non-coumarin phenols [1]. Caffeate, 5-hydroxyferulate and daphnetin are not substrates [4]. Cu2+, Zn2+ and Co2+ cause enzyme inhibition [4]. (see also EC 2.1.1.70, 8-hydroxyfuranocoumarin 8-O-methyltransferase).
Cofactor
History
Reactions
(1) S-adenosyl-L-methionine + a 5-hydroxyfurocoumarin = S-adenosyl-L- homocysteine + a 5-methoxyfurocoumarin. (2) S-adenosyl-L-methionine + bergaptol = S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine + bergapten.
