G-quadruplexes Mark Sites of Methylation Instability Associated with Ageing and Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Regulation of the epigenome is critical for healthy cell function but can become disrupted with age, leading to aberrant epigenetic profiles including altered DNA methylation. Recent studies have indicated that DNA methylation homeostasis can be compromised by the formation of DNA secondary structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s), which form in guanine-rich regions of the genome. G4s can be recognised and bound by certain methylation-regulating enzymes, and in turn perturb the surrounding methylation architecture. However, the effect G4 formation has on DNA methylation at critical epigenetic sites remains elusive and poorly explored. In this work, we investigate the association between G4 sequences and prominent DNA methylation sites, termed 'ageing clocks', that act as bona fide d

SUBMITTER: Rauchhaus J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9498706 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature