Nature等两文破解DNA甲基化关键机制

生物通报道，奥勒冈州大学的一个基础研究实验室发现了DNA甲基化的关键机制，这一成果公布在新一期（12月15日）的Genes&Development（冷泉港实验室旗下的期刊）上。

　　

Eric U.Selker的实验室主页：http://www.molbio.uoregon.edu/facres/selker.php

 

Nature原文摘要：Tamaru, H. and E.U. Selker (2001) A histone H3 methyltransferase controls DNA methylation in Neurospora crassa. Nature 414:277-83.

 

Genes&Development原文摘要：Protein phosphatase PP1 is required for normal DNA methylation in Neurospora

【Abstract】

Covalent modifications of histones integrate intracellular and extracellular cues to regulate the genome. H3 Lys 9 methylation (H3K9me) can direct heterochromatin formation and DNA methylation, while phosphorylation of H3 Ser 10 (H3S10p) drives gene activation and chromosome condensation. To examine the relationship between H3S10p, H3K9me, and DNA methylation in Neurospora crassa, we built and tested mutants of the putative H3S10 phosphatase, PP1. A PP1-impaired mutant showed increased H3S10p and selective reduction of methylation of H3K9 and DNA. Similarly, amino acid substitutions of H3S10 abolished methylation of H3K9 and DNA. Thus, H3S10 dephosphorylation by PP1 is required for DNA methylation of some loci.

生物通 小鱼