Abstract
DNA methyltransferase is needed for normal development, perhaps because DNA methylation plays a part in the control of gene activity. It is clear that the methylation of promoters often leads to repression of transcription. Studies of the mechanism suggest that repression may either result from the direct effects of methylation on transcription factors, or may be indirectly caused by repressor proteins that bind to methylated DNA. Current evidence suggests that both mechanisms can be involved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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5-Methylcytosine
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Base Sequence
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Consensus Sequence
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Cytosine / analogs & derivatives
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Cytosine / physiology
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DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / metabolism
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DNA / genetics
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DNA / metabolism
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation*
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Humans
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Methylation*
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Models, Genetic
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Promoter Regions, Genetic*
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Protein Binding
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Repressor Proteins / metabolism
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Transcription, Genetic*
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Repressor Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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5-Methylcytosine
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Cytosine
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DNA
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DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases