Methyltransferase that performs automethylation (By similarity). No other methyl-accepting substrate has been identified yet (By similarity). Component of the velvet transcription factor complex that acts as a global regulator for secondary metabolite gene expression (PubMed:15075281, PubMed:17630330, PubMed:19843884, PubMed:24082142, PubMed:24116213). Positively controls expression of 20% to 40% of major classes of secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes such as nonribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthases, and P450 monooxygenases (PubMed:17432932). Controls the expression of the gliotoxin gene cluster (PubMed:15075281, PubMed:17630330, PubMed:19843884). Controls the expression of the fumitremorgin, fumagillin, and pseurotin gene clusters, where genes for fumagillin and pseurotin are physically intertwined in a single supercluster (PubMed:24082142). Regulates the biosynthetic genes required for endocrocin production (PubMed:22492455). Secondary metabolites under the transcriptional regulation of laeA are necessary for inhibition of angiogenesis during invasive infection in mice (PubMed:19843884). Controls the expression of cell surface rodA, a hydrophobin that acts as an antiphagocytic molecule (PubMed:19917717). Regulates also the expression of genes involved in conidial biosynthesis (PubMed:16151250). L-methionyl-[protein] + S-adenosyl-L-methionine = S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine + S-methyl-L-methionyl-[protein] Component of the heterotrimeric velvet complex composed of laeA, veA and velB; VeA acting as a bridging protein between laeA and velB (By similarity). Expression is induces in response to antifungal activity produced by Lactobacillus plantarum (PubMed:23876797). Reduces the production of the immunotoxin gliotoxin (PubMed:15075281, PubMed:16151250, PubMed:17630330). Reduces the production of endocrocin (PubMed:22492455). Affects transcription of numerous secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes (PubMed:17432932). Decreases spore formation and germination (PubMed:23022264). Reduces virulence in a murine pulmonary infection model through increased phagocytosis by host macrophages (PubMed:16151250, PubMed:19917717). Belongs to the methyltransferase superfamily. LaeA methyltransferase family.