DNA methylation: old dog, new tricks?
DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that is generally associated with repression of transcription initiation at CpG-island promoters. Here we argue that, on the basis of recent high-throughput genomic and proteomic screenings, DNA methylation can also have different outcomes, including activation of transcription. This is evidenced by the fact that transcription factors can interact with methylated DNA sequences. Furthermore, in certain cellular contexts, genes containing methylated promoters are highly transcribed. Interestingly, this uncoupling between methylated DNA and repression of transcription seems to be particularly evident in germ cells and pluripotent cells. Thus, contrary to previous assumptions, DNA methylation is not exclusively associated with repression of transcription initiation.
Department of Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Cornelia G
CG
Spruijt
1] Department of Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands. [2] Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. [3] Cancer Genomics Netherlands, the Netherlands.
Michiel
M
Vermeulen
D000818:Animals; D018899:CpG Islands; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D016678:Genome; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D040901:Proteomics; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D014157:Transcription Factors