Dynamic DNA methylation: In the right place at the right time

The classical model of cytosine DNA methylation (the presence of 5-methylcytosine, 5mC) regulation depicts this covalent modification as a stable repressive regulator of promoter activity. However, whole-genome analysis of 5mC reveals widespread tissue- and cell type-specific patterns and pervasive...

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Published inScience (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 361; no. 6409; pp. 1336 - 1340
Main Authors Luo, Chongyuan, Hajkova, Petra, Ecker, Joseph R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 28.09.2018
Subjects
5-Methylcytosine - metabolism
Aging - genetics
Animals
Disease - genetics
DNA Methylation
Gene Editing
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Humans
Memory
Neoplasms - genetics
Single-Cell Analysis
Transcription Factors - metabolism
Transcription, Genetic
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Summary:The classical model of cytosine DNA methylation (the presence of 5-methylcytosine, 5mC) regulation depicts this covalent modification as a stable repressive regulator of promoter activity. However, whole-genome analysis of 5mC reveals widespread tissue- and cell type-specific patterns and pervasive dynamics during mammalian development. Here we review recent findings that delineate 5mC functions in developmental stages and diverse genomic compartments as well as discuss the molecular mechanisms that connect transcriptional regulation and 5mC. Beyond the newly appreciated dynamics, regulatory roles for 5mC have been suggested in new biological contexts, such as learning and memory or aging. The use of new single-cell measurement techniques and precise editing tools will enable functional analyses of 5mC in gene expression, clarifying its role in various biological processes.
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Author contributions: C. Luo, P. Hajkova and J.R. Ecker wrote the manuscript.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.aat6806