DNA methylation pathways and their crosstalk with histone methylation

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2015 Sep;16(9):519-32. doi: 10.1038/nrm4043.

Abstract

Methylation of DNA and of histone 3 at Lys 9 (H3K9) are highly correlated with gene silencing in eukaryotes from fungi to humans. Both of these epigenetic marks need to be established at specific regions of the genome and then maintained at these sites through cell division. Protein structural domains that specifically recognize methylated DNA and methylated histones are key for targeting enzymes that catalyse these marks to appropriate genome sites. Genetic, genomic, structural and biochemical data reveal connections between these two epigenetic marks, and these domains mediate much of the crosstalk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / physiology
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases

Substances

  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins
  • Histones
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
  • UHRF1 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases