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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Immunohistochemical Detection of 5-Methylcytosine and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Developing and Postmitotic Mouse Retina
Published on: August 29, 2018
[Progresses of DNA methylation in common ocular tumor]
1Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.
Abstract:
DNA methylation is a major event of epigenetic modifications. In the presence of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), the addition of methyl groups from cytosines can impact gene expression and alter cell and organism function. Methyl groups of CpG sites in the promoter can directly interfere with binding of transcription factors to their recognition cis elements or, on the other side, can facilitate interaction with a family of methyl-binding proteins and result in gene silencing. Analysis of DNA methylation includes genome-wide DNA methylation assessment, analysis of gene-specific DNA methylation and finding of new DNA methylation sites. The implication of DNA methylation has been suggested with the pathogenesis of retinoblastoma, uveal tract melanoma and ocular surface tumor. We focus on the progresses of DNA methylation on ocular tumors in this article.
Insights
DNA methylation, an epigenetic process involving DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), influences gene expression. This article reviews DNA methylation
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification impacting gene expression and cellular functions.
- Methylation at CpG sites can alter transcription factor binding or recruit methyl-binding proteins, leading to gene silencing.
- Understanding DNA methylation is crucial for studying various biological processes and diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advancements in DNA methylation research.
- To explore the role and implications of DNA methylation in ocular tumors.
- To highlight the significance of DNA methylation analysis techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on DNA methylation.
- Analysis of DNA methylation assessment methods (genome-wide, gene-specific, novel site discovery).
- Examination of studies linking DNA methylation to ocular tumor pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- DNA methylation by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) affects gene expression and cell function.
- Promoter CpG methylation can inhibit transcription factor binding or induce gene silencing via methyl-binding proteins.
- DNA methylation analysis encompasses genome-wide, gene-specific, and novel site identification approaches.
Conclusions:
- DNA methylation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of ocular tumors, including retinoblastoma, uveal tract melanoma, and ocular surface tumors.
- Further research into DNA methylation patterns may offer insights into the development and treatment of these cancers.
- Advanced DNA methylation analysis techniques are essential for understanding its role in ocular oncology.
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