DNA methyltransferase 1 and DNA methylation patterning contribute to germinal center B-cell differentiation.

ABSTRACT: The phenotype of germinal center (GC) B cells includes the unique ability to tolerate rapid proliferation and the mutagenic actions of activation induced cytosine deaminase (AICDA). Given the importance of epigenetic patterning in determining cellular phenotypes, we examined DNA methylation and the role of DNA methyltransferases in the formation of GCs. DNA methylation profiling revealed a marked shift in DNA methylation patterning in GC B cells versus resting/naive B cells. This shift included significant differential methylation of 235 genes, with concordant inverse changes in gene expression affecting most notably genes of the NFkB and MAP kinase signaling pathways. GC B cells were predominantly hypomethylated compared with naive B cells and AICDA binding sites were highly overrepresent

SUBMITTER: Shaknovich R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3186332 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature