Ebook: DNA Methylation and Cellular Differentiation
- Tags: Biochemistry general, Cell Biology
- Series: Cell Biology Monographs 11
- Year: 1984
- Publisher: Springer-Verlag Wien
- Edition: 1
- Language: English
- pdf
In 1977 I wrote a grant proposal in which I applied to study developmental patterns in enzymatic methylation of DNA in eukaryotes. One part of the proposal was to assay cells at different embryonic developmental stages for maintenance and de novo type methylase activity. With one exception the referees, probably developmental biologists, recommended that the work not be supported because there was no evidence that methylation plays any role in eukaryotic gene regulation. Aside from proving that innovative ideas can seldom be used to successfully compete for grant funds, the skepticism of biologists toward methylation as a regulatory mechanism was, and still is, widespread even among some of those who investigate the problem. That is a healthy situation for all points of view should be brought to bear on a problem of such importance. However, to deny funds to investigate a problem because one has already formed an opinion without evidence is hardly commendable. The great skepticism about the significance of DNA methylation is based in part on the evidence that it is absent or very little used in Drosophila, a favorite organism for genetic and developmental studies. There now remains little doubt that methylation of cytosine in certain CpG sites can strikingly affect the transcription of sequences 3' to the methylated doublet. How this inhibition operates and to what extent it is utilized in cells is still debatable.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-VIII
DNA Methylation and Cell Differentiation: An Overview....Pages 3-23
DNA Methylation and Transposable Genetic Elements....Pages 24-45
Differentiating Systems and Their Methylation Patterns....Pages 46-75
DNA Methylation and the Inactive X Chromosome of Mammals....Pages 76-83
Mechanisms of Suppression by DNA Methylation....Pages 84-103
Evolution, Stability and Regulation of Methylation Patterns....Pages 104-119
Back Matter....Pages 120-138
Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-VIII
DNA Methylation and Cell Differentiation: An Overview....Pages 3-23
DNA Methylation and Transposable Genetic Elements....Pages 24-45
Differentiating Systems and Their Methylation Patterns....Pages 46-75
DNA Methylation and the Inactive X Chromosome of Mammals....Pages 76-83
Mechanisms of Suppression by DNA Methylation....Pages 84-103
Evolution, Stability and Regulation of Methylation Patterns....Pages 104-119
Back Matter....Pages 120-138
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