The enzyme is specific for xanthosine, as XMP and xanthine cannot act as substrates [2,4]. The enzyme does not have N1- or N3- methylation activity [2]. This is the first methylation step in the production of caffeine.
Mizuno K, Kato M, Irino F, Yoneyama N, Fujimura T, Ashihara H
Title
The first committed step reaction of caffeine biosynthesis: 7-methylxanthosine synthase is closely homologous to caffeine synthases in coffee (Coffea arabica L.).
Molecular cloning and functional characterization of three distinct N-methyltransferases involved in the caffeine biosynthetic pathway in coffee plants.