DNA methylation
DNA methylation is a biochemical process that involves the addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule. It is a crucial epigenetic modification that plays a key role in gene regulation and cellular differentiation.
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It is a crucial epigenetic modification that plays a key role in gene regulation and cellular differentiation. This process occurs mainly at the cytosine residues of CpG dinucleotides in the genome, although other nucleotides can also be methylated. DNA methylation is essential for normal development and cellular function, and abnormalities in this process have been associated with various diseases, including cancer. The level of DNA methylation can be influenced by several factors, such as environmental exposures and aging. Various enzymes are involved in the establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation patterns, including DNA methyltransferases. DNA methylation patterns can be inherited through cell division, contributing to the stability of gene expression over multiple generations. In recent years, DNA methylation has emerged as a promising biomarker for diagnostics and a potential target for therapeutic interventions.