Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
Published on: September 7, 2017
Gene silencing in mammalian cells and the spread of DNA methylation
1Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, OR 97201, USA. turkerm@ohsu.edu
Abstract:
Aberrant gene silencing in mammalian cells is associated with promoter region methylation, but the sequence of these two events is not clear. This review will consider the possibility that gene silencing is not a single event, but instead a series of events that begins with a dramatic drop in transcription potential and ends with its complete cessation. This transition will be portrayed as a chaotic process that ensues when transcription levels drop and DNA methylation begins spreading haltingly towards the diminished promoter. According to this view, silencing is stabilized when the promoter region is 'captured' by the spread of DNA methylation near or into its transcription factor binding sites.
Related Concept Videos
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs
Eukaryotic Transcription Inhibitors
Eukaryotic transcription inhibitors usually contain two distinct domains, a DNA...

