Abstract
DNA methyltransferase 3-like (DNMT3L) is one of the key players in de novo DNA methylation of imprinting control elements and retrotransposons, which occurs after genome-wide epigenetic erasure during germ cell development. In this review, we summarise the biochemical properties of DNMT3L and discuss the possible mechanisms behind DNMT3L-mediated imprinting establishment and retrotransposon silencing in germ cells. We also discuss possible connections between DNMT3L and non-coding RNA-mediated epigenetic remodelling, the roles of DNMT3L in germ cell development and the implications in stem cell and cancer research.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 571-587 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Biology of the Cell |
Volume | 104 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 1 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- DNA Methyltransferases
- Genomic Imprinting
- Histone
- PiRNA
- Retrotransposons
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cell Biology