DNA Modification

DNA modifications are the most well described epigenetic process in human brain studies. DNA methylation, whereby a methyl group is added to the 5 position of a cytosine, forming 5-methylcytosine (5mC), can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing the sequence. Each modification in this chain from acetylation to DNA methylation is associated with a compaction of the gene into dense, untranscribable chromatin. When located in a gene promoter, DNA methylation typically acts to repress gene transcription.

In mammals, DNA methylation is essential for normal development and is associated with a number of key processes including genomic imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, repression of transposable elements, aging, and carcinogenesis. Recent evidence suggests that centromeric DNA sequences, and epigenetic regulation of centromeres, have important roles in centromere physiology. DNA methylation is abundant at the centromere, and aberrant DNA methylation, observed in certain tumors, has been correlated to aneuploidy and genomic instability. DNA methylation is almost exclusively found in CpG dinucleotides, with the cytosines on both strands being usually methylated. Those that are unmethylated typically reside in so called CpG islands which typically reside at the 5' ends of genes, and the majority of all human genes have CpG islands at their 5' end. When CpG islands become aberrantly hypermethylated, it is generally associated with decreased expression of the gene.

DNA methylation at sites is robustly associated with environmental exposures such as tobacco smoking and obesity is also influenced by additive genetic effects, highlighting the need to control for genetic background in analyses of exposure-associated DNA methylation differences. antibodies-online offers a wide range of antibodies and for your epigenetic research needs. Browse our portfolio down below! If you have any questions, our team of biologists is at your service at all times via chat, contact form or e-mail.

Antibodies for DNA Modification & Methylation

Proteins and Kits for DNA Modification & Methylation

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