Genomic imprinting: mother maintains methylation marks

Curr Biol. 2001 Jul 10;11(13):R527-30. doi: 10.1016/s0960-9822(01)00311-6.

Abstract

A DNA methyltransferase has been identified that plays a role in maintaining the methylation status of imprinted genes. Interestingly, although expressed in the unfertilised egg, this enzyme functions only during one round of replication in the eight-cell embryo.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / genetics
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / physiology*
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / enzymology
  • Female
  • Genomic Imprinting*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Genetic

Substances

  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases