Purification, sequence, and cellular localization of a novel chromosomal protein that binds to methylated DNA

Cell. 1992 Jun 12;69(6):905-14. doi: 10.1016/0092-8674(92)90610-o.

Abstract

Methylation of mammalian DNA can lead to repression of transcription and alteration of chromatin structure. Recent evidence suggests that both effects are the result of an interaction between the methylated sites and methyl-CpG-binding proteins (MeCPs). MeCP1 has previously been detected in crude nuclear extracts. Here we report the identification, purification, and cDNA cloning of a novel MeCP called MeCP2. Unlike MeCP1, the new protein is able to bind to DNA that contains a single methyl-CpG pair. By staining with an antibody, we show that the distribution of MeCP2 along the chromosomes parallels that of methyl-CpG. In mouse, for example, MeCP2 is concentrated in pericentromeric heterochromatin, which contains a large fraction (about 40%) of all genomic 5-methylcytosine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / chemistry
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / isolation & purification
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA, Satellite / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Methylation
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Molecular Weight
  • Rats

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • DNA, Satellite
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • DNA

Associated data

  • GENBANK/L05499
  • GENBANK/M87278
  • GENBANK/M94064
  • GENBANK/S35159
  • GENBANK/S72766
  • GENBANK/S72767
  • GENBANK/S72768
  • GENBANK/S72769
  • GENBANK/S72771
  • GENBANK/X71664