title: DNA methyltransferases get connected to chromatin.
abstract: The DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) are responsible for the generation of genomic methylation patterns, which lead to transcriptional silencing. Recent studies have identified new protein partners for the Dnmts revealing novel mechanisms by which they can be targeted to specific genomic regions to silence genes. In particular, the links identified with histone deacetylases, histone methyltransferases and SNF-2-like ATPases are defining new requirements for the functioning of Dnmts. A picture is emerging whereby the Dnmts are intimately connected to the chromatin environment in which they are working.
authors.forename: Wendy A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Burgers
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fuks
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kouzarides
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000076123:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D019175:DNA Methylation; D000090205:DNA Methyltransferase 3A; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006655:Histone Deacetylases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D000097584:DNA Methyltransferase 3B
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D000076123:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases; D000090205:DNA Methyltransferase 3A; D006655:Histone Deacetylases; D000097584:DNA Methyltransferase 3B; C000717967:DNMT3A protein, human; C412484:DNMT3L protein, human