Dynamic regulation of DNA methylation coupled transcriptional repression: BDNF regulation by MeCP2.
A recurrent theme in eukaryotic genome regulation stipulates that the properties of DNA are strongly influenced by the nucleoprotein complex into which it is assembled. Methylation of cytosine residues in vertebrate genomes has been implicated in influencing the assembly of locally repressive chromatin architecture. Current models suggest that covalent modification of DNA results in heritable, long-term transcriptional silencing. In October of 2003, two manuscripts were published that challenge important aspects of this model, suggesting that modulation of both DNA methylation itself, as well as the machinery implicated in its interpretation, are involved in acute gene regulation.
Emory University, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Whitehead Research Building Room 142, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. pwade@emory.edu
Paul A
PA
Wade
D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D051783:Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C497392:MECP2 protein, human; D051783:Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2; D012097:Repressor Proteins