A mammalian protein with specific demethylase activity for mCpG DNA.

Bhattacharya, S K; Ramchandani, S; Cervoni, N; Szyf, M · Nature · 1999

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

DNA-methylation patterns are important for regulating genome functions, and are determined by the enzymatic processes of methylation and demethylation. The demethylating enzyme has now been identified: a mammalian complementary DNA encodes a methyl-CpG-binding domain, bears a demethylase activity that transforms methylated cytosine bases to cytosine, and demethylates a plasmid when the cDNA is translated or transiently transfected into human embryonal kidney cells in vitro. The discovery of this DNA demethylase should provide a basis for the molecular and developmental analysis of the role of DNA methylation and demethylation.

Medical subject headings