Tue 04/Aug/2009

   Tue 04/Aug/2009

   DNMT | DNA Methyl transferase

   Common epigenetic modifications found in eukaryotic organisms ranging from fungi to mammals include DNA methylation which is mainly performed by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT). DNMT is an enzyme responsible for generating and maintaining DNA methylation patterns that control different genome functions. DNMT enzymes exhibit distinct biochemical properties and biological functions, due to their structural differences. The highly variable N-terminal extensions of these nuclear proteins harbor various evolutionarily conserved domains and motifs, some of which have been shown to be involved in functional specializations. In prokaryotes, the major role of DNA methylation is to protect host DNA against degradation by restriction enzymes. In eukaryotes, DNA methylation has been implicated in the control of several cellular processes, including differentiation, gene regulation, and embryonic development. Recent findings also suggest an important role of DNMT in oncogenesis and its importance as a candidate target for anticancer therapy.
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