Open AccessDNA methyltransferases: classification, functions and research pro-gress
Author(s) -
Zhigang Wang,
Jianxin Wu
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
yichuan
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 16
ISSN - 0253-9772
DOI - 10.3724/sp.j.1005.2009.00903
Subject(s) - methyltransferase , dnmt3b , biology , dna methylation , dnmt1 , epigenetics , methylation , genetics , genomic imprinting , dna methyltransferase , dna , gene , cytosine , gene expression
DNA methylation is a postreplicative modification occurred in most prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, which has a variety of important biological functions including regulation of gene expression, gene imprinting, preservation of chromosomal integrity, and X-chromosome inactivation. According to their structure and functions, DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) are divided into two major families in mammalian cells: maintenance methyltransferase (Dnmt1) and de novo methyltransferases (Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, and Dnmt3L). In addition, Dnmt2 also displays weak DNA methyltransferase catalytic activity, but newly founded function is to methylate cytosine 38 in the anti-codon loop of tRNAAsp. These Dnmts are crucial for mammalian growth and development. Dnmts deficiency will lead to embryonic development defects, cancer, and other diseases. Therefore, Dnmts could be important therapeutical targets. This article summarizes the classification, function, and recent research progress in DNA methyltransferases.