Chromosome instability and immunodeficiency syndrome caused by mutations in a DNA methyltransferase gene
Article Abstract:
It has been established that the ultimate cause of the recessive autosomal disorder known as ICF syndrome is defective DNA methylation. It was found that five unrelated ICF patients had mutations in both alleles of the gene that encodes DNA methyltransferase 3B. Cytosine methylation is vital for the organization and stabilization of a certain type of heterochromatin, and this methylation seems to be undertaken by an enzyme specialized for the role. It is possible that methylation is needed for the assembly of the silencing foci around condensation of satellite DNA, for the recruitment of silencing proteins to the foci or for the migration of silent genes into the foci.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Methylation meets acetylation
Article Abstract:
Genetic research shows that the biochemicals cytosine methylation and histone acetylation work together in the vertebrate gene transcription process. The work of scientists Nan et al and Jones et al has established that methylation and histone deacetylation are present in histone deacetylase. The biochemical cytosine methylation does not wholly manage histone acetylation activity.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The structure and evolution of centrometric transition regions within the human genome. Genomes for medicine
- Abstracts: Synthesis of survival rates and causes of mortality in North American wolverines. Assessing seabird mortality from chronic oil discharges at sea
- Abstracts: From angiogenesis to neuropathology. Accessing a transporter structure. Cell survival guide
- Abstracts: Development of cooperative relationships through increasing investment. Three-butterfly system provides a field test of mullerian mimicry