Open AccessMethylation of the chicken vilellogenin gene: influence of estradiol administration
Author(s) -
Frits Meijlink,
J.N.J. Philipsen,
M. Gruber,
Geert Ab
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
nucleic acids research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 9.008
H-Index - 537
eISSN - 1362-4954
pISSN - 0305-1048
DOI - 10.1093/nar/11.5.1361
Subject(s) - biology , gene , genetics , methylation , administration (probate law) , dna methylation , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , political science , law
The degree of methylation of the chicken vitellogenin gene has been investigated. Upon induction by administration of estradiol to a rooster, methyl groups at specific sites near the 5'-end of the gene are eliminated. The process of demethylation is slower than the activation of the gene. Demethylation is therefore probably not a prerequisite to gene transcription. At least two other sites in the coding region of the gene are methylated in the liver of estrogenized roosters, but not in the liver of a laying hen, where the gene is naturally active.