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. Required for aflR expression and subsequent aflatoxin production (PubMed:18667168, PubMed:19411623, PubMed:22289775, PubMed:24040154). Regulates negatively veA expression (PubMed:18667168, PubMed:19411623). Controls conidiophore and conidial development (PubMed:22289775, PubMed:24040154). Required for hydrophobin production which plays a role in cell surface hydrophobicity and host defense escape (PubMed:22289775). 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 (PubMed:23994319). Interacts directly with veA (PubMed:23994319). Expression is regulated by the developmental regulators flbB and flbE (PubMed:23676908). Leads to decreased conidial production, loss of sclerotia, and altered in host colonization (PubMed:18667168, PubMed:19411623, PubMed:22289775, PubMed:24040154). Reduces expression of hydrophobins rodA and rodB, resulting in a decrease of colony hydrophobicity (PubMed:22289775). Impairs expression of aflR (PubMed:19411623). Abolishes production of aflatoxin (PubMed:22289775, PubMed:24040154). Leads to down-regulation of nitrate metabolic genes (PubMed:24040154). Unables metabolization of host cell lipid reserves and is inhibited by oleic acid in growth assays (PubMed:19411623). Belongs to the methyltransferase superfamily. LaeA methyltransferase family.