Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
09:42
Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
Published on: September 7, 2017
10.4K
New concepts in DNA methylation.
Albert Jeltsch1, Renata Z Jurkowska1
1Institute of Biochemistry, Stuttgart University, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|June 21, 2014
Summary
The established DNA methylation model requires revision. DNA methylation is dynamically regulated by DNA methyltransferases, demethylases, and replication, influenced by chromatin marks.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The traditional model posits DNA methylation is established by Dnmt3 and maintained by Dnmt1.
- This model suggests a static, unidirectional process of DNA methylation maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise the established model of DNA methylation maintenance.
- To present a dynamic stochastic model for DNA methylation.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental evidence from the past decade.
- Analysis of the roles of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts), DNA demethylases, and replication rates.
- Investigation of chromatin mark networks in regulating DNA methylation.
Main Results:
- Substantial experimental evidence contradicts the simple maintenance model.
- DNA methylation is a dynamic process influenced by multiple factors.
- Local enzyme activity and replication rate determine methylation status at each site.
Conclusions:
- The widely-cited model of DNA methylation maintenance needs revision.
- A dynamic stochastic model better describes DNA methylation.
- Chromatin marks regulate DNA methylation through enzyme targeting and control.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
3.4K
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...
X-chromosome...
3.4K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
28.7K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
28.7K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
24.0K
24.0K
03:17Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
6.0K
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...
6.0K
01:17Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions
912
Methylation is a phase II biotransformation process involving the attachment of a methyl group to a substrate. Enzymes known as methyltransferases orchestrate this reaction.
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
912
02:32Histone Modification
14.5K
The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone...
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone...
14.5K