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DNA methylation and control of gene expression in vertebrate development
1Genes and Development Group, University of Edinburgh, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, Scotland, U.K. Richard.Meehan@ed.ac.uk
Abstract:
MeCpGs act as ligands for nuclear factors (repressors) that are components of chromatin modification and remodelling activities. The DNA-methylation-mediated repression system (Dnmt1s, MeCPs and MBDs) is highly conserved in vertebrates. DNA methylation is essential for normal vertebrate development. It is possible (but remains unproven) that the role of DNA methylation in regulating development is highly conserved in vertebrates. In mammals, DNA methylation has an additional role in regulating the expression of imprinted genes and in controlling X-inactivation.