5-Methylcytosine (m5C) is a key epigenetic mark in the mammalian genome that regulates gene expression and maintains genome stability. DNA methylation in cells is catalyzed by three distinct DNA methyltransferases, which transfer methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) to cytosine in the CpG sites. The coordinated activity of all three DNMT family proteins is crucial for embryonic development, and mutations or changes in expression promote the emergence and progression of numerous pathologies (e.g., cancer). However, the individual contributions of each enzyme to cellular activities remain poorly understood. Consequently, the development of novel molecular instruments and further investigation of molecular components governing methyltransferase-specific DNA methylation in cells during cellular differentiation or carcinogenesis are essential. Recently, the Dnmt-TOP-seq methodology has been introduced, allowing direct identification of CpG sites specifically modified by mouse DNMT1 or DNMT3A methyltransferases in live cells using synthetic AdoMet analogues. Further development and application of this unique technology will likely uncover new molecular relationships of DNA methyltransferases during diverse biological processes.
Mokslinis vadovas / Supervisor: dr. Vaidotas Stankevičius
Kontaktai / Contacts:
tel. / phone: +37068313680
Programme: Biochemistry N 004