Losing DNA methylation at repetitive elements and breaking bad.

ABSTRACT:

Background

DNA methylation is an epigenetic chromatin mark that allows heterochromatin formation and gene silencing. It has a fundamental role in preserving genome stability (including chromosome stability) by controlling both gene expression and chromatin structure. Therefore, the onset of an incorrect pattern of DNA methylation is potentially dangerous for the cells. This is particularly important with respect to repetitive elements, which constitute the third of the human genome.

Main body

Repetitive sequences are involved in several cell processes, however, due to their intrinsic nature, they can be a source of genome instability. Thus, most repetitive elements are usually methylated to maintain a heterochromatic, repressed state. Notably, there is increasing evidence sh

SUBMITTER: Pappalardo XG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8173753 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature