Evolving insights on how cytosine methylation affects protein-DNA binding.

ABSTRACT: Many anecdotal observations exist of a regulatory effect of DNA methylation on gene expression. However, in general, the underlying mechanisms of this effect are poorly understood. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about how this important, but mysterious, epigenetic mark impacts cellular functions. Cytosine methylation can abrogate or enhance interactions with DNA-binding proteins, or it may have no effect, depending on the context. Despite being only a small chemical change, the addition of a methyl group to cytosine can affect base readout via hydrophobic contacts in the major groove and shape readout via electrostatic contacts in the minor groove. We discuss the recent discovery that CpG methylation increases DNase I cleavage at adjacent positions by an order of magn

SUBMITTER: Dantas Machado AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4303714 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature