Detecting and interpreting DNA methylation marks

Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2018 Dec:53:88-99. doi: 10.1016/j.sbi.2018.06.004. Epub 2018 Jul 19.

Abstract

The generation, alteration, recognition, and erasure of epigenetic modifications of DNA are fundamental to controlling gene expression in mammals. These covalent DNA modifications include cytosine methylation by AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases and 5-methylcytosine oxidation by Fe(II)-dependent and α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. Sequence-specific transcription factors are responsible for interpreting the modification status of specific regions of chromatin. This review focuses on recent developments in characterizing the functional and structural links between the modification status of two DNA bases: 5-methylcytosine and 5-methyluracil (thymine).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 5-Methylcytosine / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA Methylation
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Methyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Thymine / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • 5-Methylcytosine
  • DNA
  • Methyltransferases
  • Thymine