Distributive alpha-N-methyltransferase that methylates the N-terminus of target proteins containing the N-terminal motif [Ala/Gly/Pro/Ser]-Pro-Lys when the initiator Met is cleaved. Specifically catalyzes mono-, di- or tri-methylation of the exposed alpha-amino group of the Ala, Gly or Ser residue in the [Ala/Gly/Ser]-Pro-Lys motif and mono- or di-methylation of Pro in the Pro-Pro-Lys motif. Some of the substrates may be primed by NTMT2-mediated monomethylation (PubMed:24090352). Catalyzes the trimethylation of the N-terminal Gly in CENPA (after removal of Met-1). Responsible for the N-terminal methylation of KLHL31, MYL2, MYL3, RB1, RCC1, RPL23A and SET. Required during mitosis for normal bipolar spindle formation and chromosome segregation via its action on RCC1.
