DNA methylation: the nuts and bolts of repression.
DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification which plays an important role in chromatin organization and gene expression. DNA methylation can silence genes and repetitive elements through a process which leads to the alteration of chromatin structure. The mechanisms which target DNA methylation to specific sites in the genome are not fully understood. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms which lead to the long-term silencing of genes and will survey the progression that has been made in determining the targeted mechanisms for de novo DNA methylation.
Miranda
Tina Branscombe
TB
Department of Urology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
Jones
Peter A
PA
D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D018899:CpG Islands; D019175:DNA Methylation; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases / Q000378:metabolism; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D020868:Gene Silencing; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D002843:Chromatin; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases