title: The de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A in development and cancer.
abstract: DNA methylation, one of the best-characterized epigenetic modifications, plays essential roles in development, aging and diseases. The de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A is responsible for the establishment of de novo genomic DNA methylation patterns and, as such, involved in normal development as well as in many diseases including cancer. In recent years, our understanding of this important protein has made significant progress, which was facilitated by stunning development in the analysis of the DNA methylome of multiple organs and cell types. In this review, recent developments in the characterization of DNMT3A were discussed with special emphasis on the roles of DNMT3A in development and cancer.
authors.affiliation: Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics; School of Biomedical Sciences; Shenzhen Research Institute; the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
authors.forename: Bi-Feng
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shandong University Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics; School of Biomedical Sciences; Shenzhen Research Institute; the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
authors.forename: Wai-Yee
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / Q000378:metabolism*; D019175:DNA Methylation; D000090205:DNA Methyltransferase 3A; D047108:Embryonic Development; D048788:Growth and Development; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: C000717967:DNMT3A protein, human; C000715535:Dnmt3a protein, mouse; C412484:DNMT3L protein, human; C498796:Dnmt3l protein, mouse; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases; D000090205:DNA Methyltransferase 3A
keywords: DNA methylation; DNMT3A; cancer; development; epigenetics