Lineage-specific DNA methylation in T cells correlates with histone methylation and enhancer activity.

ABSTRACT: DNA methylation participates in establishing and maintaining chromatin structures and regulates gene transcription during mammalian development and cellular differentiation. With few exceptions, research thus far has focused on gene promoters, and little is known about the extent, functional relevance, and regulation of cell type-specific DNA methylation at promoter-distal sites. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of differential DNA methylation in human conventional CD4(+) T cells (Tconv) and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Treg), cell types whose differentiation and function are known to be controlled by epigenetic mechanisms. Using a novel approach that is based on the separation of a genome into methylated and unmethylated fractions, we examined the extent of lineage-specific

SUBMITTER: Schmidl C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2704427 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature