Gene body methylation safeguards ribosomal DNA transcription by preventing PHF6-mediated enrichment of repressive histone mark H4K20me3.

ABSTRACT: DNA methylation shows complex correlations with gene expression, and the role of promoter hypermethylation in repressing gene transcription has been well addressed. Emerging evidence indicates that gene body methylation promotes transcription; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be further investigated. Here, using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-seq), bisulfite genomic sequencing, and immunofluorescent labeling, we show that gene body methylation is indeed positively correlated with rRNA gene (rDNA) transcription. Mechanistically, gene body methylation is largely maintained by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), deficiency or downregulation of which during myoblast differentiation or nutrient deprivation results in decreased gene body methylation levels, leading

SUBMITTER: Huang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8511956 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature