AlanFung:Lab Notebook/DNA Methylation
DNA Methylation
- What is DNA Methylation
It is the only genetically programmed DNA modification in mammals
- Where
Almost exclusively found on the 5 position of the pyrimidine ring of cytosines in the context of the dinucleotide sequence CpG
- Frequency
The majority (75%) of CpG dinucleotides throughout mammalian genomes are methylated
- How
- Response to stimuli
diet toxins
- Aberrant DNA methylation
Leads to cancer - where genome wide hypomethylation coincides with gene-specific hypermethylation
- Usage
The epigenetic mechanisms controlling and modulating gene expression through chromatin structure Closely interacts with histone modifications and chromatin-remodeling complexes to form the genomic chromatin landscape Essential for proper mammalian development Crucial for imprinting Plays a role in maintaining genomic stability and dosage compensation Used to detect cancer at very early stages
*Classify tumors *predict and monitor the response to antineoplastic treatment *