Bovine thymus satellite I DNA sequences, which are highly methylated, are preferentially located in H1-rich chromatin.
The distribution of 5-methylcytosine among H1-rich and -poor bovine thymus chromatin regions was determined. 5-Methylcytosine was enriched in H1-rich chromatin regions, with linker and nucleosomal DNA containing similar amounts of this modified base. Satellite I DNA sequences, which constitute 5-7% of the genome and are highly methylated, were preferentially localized among H1-rich chromatin regions, in accordance with the distribution of 5-methylcytosine. In contrast to the satellite I DNA sequences, prothrombin (a single copy DNA sequence) was localized among both H1-rich and -poor chromatin regions. The results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that DNA methylation has a role in modulating the structure of chromatin.
Davie
J R
JR
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Delcuve
G P
GP
D044503:5-Methylcytosine; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002843:Chromatin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003596:Cytosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis; D004276:DNA, Satellite / Q000235:genetics*; D006657:Histones / Q000032:analysis; D008745:Methylation; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000032:analysis*
D002843:Chromatin; D004276:DNA, Satellite; D006657:Histones; D044503:5-Methylcytosine; D003596:Cytosine