REGULATION AND FUNCTION OF DNA METHYLATION IN VERTEBRATES

摘要: In vertebrates, genomic DNA is often methylated at the 5th position of cytosine in sequence CpG, and this only chemical modification that vertebrates allows under physiological conditions. During evolution, acquired CpG methylation as a new tool for controlling gene expression addition to varieties transcription factors. mammals, pattern erased reset germ line early stage embryogenesis. Maintenance-type activity ensures clonal transmission lineage-specific somatic cells. The dynamic changes during cell differentiation. Prior tissue-specific genes, specific sites promoters are demethylated. general, suppresses its expression. However, not much known about mechanisms regulate state by methylation.