Medicine and Physiology: DNA Methylation and Gene Expression
Adrian P. Bird, University of Edinburgh
Howard Cedar, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Aharon Razin, Hebrew University of Jerusalem All human cells contain the same genetic information, so how do some become lung cells, while others become skin cells? Part of the answer lies in turning certain genes off at just the right time in order to express a certain profile of proteins that will give the cell its ultimate function. DNA methylation – adding a CH3-group to the genetic material – can mark segments of DNA for silencing. When this process goes wrong, unchecked gene expression can lead to cancer or other developmental problems. Image: An artist’s conception of a DNA molecule, methylated at two cytosine nucleotides. (Wikimedia Commons)
Howard Cedar, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Aharon Razin, Hebrew University of Jerusalem All human cells contain the same genetic information, so how do some become lung cells, while others become skin cells? Part of the answer lies in turning certain genes off at just the right time in order to express a certain profile of proteins that will give the cell its ultimate function. DNA methylation – adding a CH3-group to the genetic material – can mark segments of DNA for silencing. When this process goes wrong, unchecked gene expression can lead to cancer or other developmental problems. Image: An artist’s conception of a DNA molecule, methylated at two cytosine nucleotides. (Wikimedia Commons)
