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Related Concept Videos

Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance02:30

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures03:17

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying DNA...
Nucleosome Remodeling02:54

Nucleosome Remodeling

Nucleosomes are the basic units of chromatin compaction. Each nucleosome consists of the DNA bound tightly around a histone core, which makes the DNA inaccessible to DNA binding proteins such as DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase. Hence, the fundamental problem is to ensure access to DNA when appropriate, despite the compact and protective chromatin structure.
Nucleosome remodeling complex
Eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes called ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling enzymes. These enzymes...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
09:42

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images

Published on: September 7, 2017

DNA methylation: roles in mammalian development.

Zachary D Smith1, Alexander Meissner

  • 1Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.

Nature Reviews. Genetics
|February 13, 2013
PubMed
Summary

DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification crucial for mammalian development. Recent research reveals dynamic regulatory roles for DNA methylation across various developmental stages and cell types.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic mechanism essential for mammalian development.
  • While generally stable, dynamic regulation of DNA methylation is increasingly recognized.
  • Advances in methylation detection methods highlight its complex roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key concepts in DNA methylation function in mammals.
  • To summarize recent findings on the regulatory roles of DNA methylation.
  • To highlight DNA methylation's involvement in global and localized epigenetic regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of over two decades of research.
  • Inclusion of recent studies on DNA methylation dynamics.

More Related Videos

Immunohistochemical Detection of 5-Methylcytosine and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Developing and Postmitotic Mouse Retina
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Immunohistochemical Detection of 5-Methylcytosine and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Developing and Postmitotic Mouse Retina

Published on: August 29, 2018

Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing for Assessment of DNA Methylation at Base Pair Resolution
13:47

Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing for Assessment of DNA Methylation at Base Pair Resolution

Published on: February 24, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
09:42

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images

Published on: September 7, 2017

Immunohistochemical Detection of 5-Methylcytosine and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Developing and Postmitotic Mouse Retina
07:50

Immunohistochemical Detection of 5-Methylcytosine and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Developing and Postmitotic Mouse Retina

Published on: August 29, 2018

Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing for Assessment of DNA Methylation at Base Pair Resolution
13:47

Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing for Assessment of DNA Methylation at Base Pair Resolution

Published on: February 24, 2015

  • Analysis of data from early development, stem cells, and adult lineages.

    • Main Results:

    • DNA methylation plays critical roles throughout mammalian development.
    • Dynamic methylation patterns are observed in various genomic regions.
    • Specific insights are provided from early development, embryonic stem cells, and haematopoiesis.

    Conclusions:

    • DNA methylation is a versatile epigenetic regulator with both global and localized functions.
    • Understanding DNA methylation dynamics is crucial for comprehending mammalian development and cell differentiation.
    • Continued research is essential to fully elucidate the regulatory roles of DNA methylation.