title: DNA methylation and chromatin structure.
abstract: Studies of the whole genome by molecular and cytogenetic methods have implicated DNA methylation in the formation of 'inactive chromatin'. This has been confirmed by analysis of specific endogenous sequences, and has been mimicked by introducing methylated and non-methylated sequences into cells. As well as affecting chromatin structure. DNA methylation also represses transcription. A protein (MeCP) which binds specifically to methylated DNA has been identified. The properties of MeCP could account for the effects of DNA methylation on both chromatin and transcription.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bird
mesh_terms: D044503:5-Methylcytosine; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry*; D003596:Cytosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015226:Dinucleoside Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006570:Heterochromatin; D008745:Methylation; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D044503:5-Methylcytosine; D002843:Chromatin; D003596:Cytosine; D004247:DNA; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D015226:Dinucleoside Phosphates; D006570:Heterochromatin; C015772:CpG dinucleotide