Cited by 4,906Epigenetics and DNA MethylationGenetic Syndromes and ImprintingNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms

DNA methylation and its basic function

Open access
Moore, Lisa D, Le, Thuc, Fan, Guoping·2013·Neuropsychopharmacology

Abstract

In the mammalian genome, DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism involving the transfer of a methyl group onto the C5 position of the cytosine to form 5-methylcytosine. DNA methylation regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s) to DNA. During development, the pattern of DNA methylation in the genome changes as a result of a dynamic process involving both de novo DNA methylation and demethylation. As a consequence, differentiated cells develop a stable and unique DNA methylation pattern that regulates tissue-specific gene transcription. In this chapter, we will review the process of DNA methylation and demethylation in the nervous system. We will describe the DNA (de)methylation machinery and its association with other epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications and noncoding RNAs. Intriguingly, postmitotic neurons still express DNA methyltransferases and components involved in DNA demethylation. Moreover, neuronal activity can modulate their pattern of DNA methylation in response to physiological and environmental stimuli. The precise regulation of DNA methylation is essential for normal cognitive function. Indeed, when DNA methylation is altered as a result of developmental mutations or environmental risk factors, such as drug exposure and neural injury, mental impairment is a common side effect. The investigation into DNA methylation continues to show a rich and complex picture about epigenetic gene regulation in the central nervous system and provides possible therapeutic targets for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

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Crossref · 10.1038/npp.2012.112

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  • DNA methylation involves the covalent transfer of a methyl group from S-adenyl methionine to the C-5 position of a cytosine ring of DNA to form 5-methylcytosine.

    “DNA methylation involves the covalent transfer of a methyl group from S-adenyl methionine to the C-5 position of a cytosine ring of DNA to form 5-methylcytosine (5mC; Moore et al., 2013).”

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Authors
Moore, L. D., Le, T., & Fan, G.
Affiliations
University of California, Los Angeles (US)
Corresponding author
Fan, Guoping
Venue
Neuropsychopharmacology
Published
2012-07-11
Volume
38
Issue
1
Pages
23-38
ISSN
  • 0893-133X (ISSN-L)
  • 1740-634X
OpenAlex
W2152656267
Cited by
4,906
References
213
Citations by year
2026: 500 · 2025: 755 · 2024: 770 · 2023: 754 · 2022: 669 · 2021: 469 · 2020: 321 · 2019: 226 · 2018: 147 · 2017: 98 · 2016: 70 · 2015: 52 · 2014: 34 · 2013: 27 · 2012: 7
FWCI
3.50
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neuropsychopharmacology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • The HKU Scholars Hub (University of Hong Kong) (submittedVersion)
Funders
National Institutes of Health
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic Syndromes and Imprinting
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
Keywords
DNA methylation, DNA demethylation, epigenetic regulation, 5-methylcytosine, DNA methyltransferases, postmitotic neurons, neuronal activity, histone modifications, non-coding RNA, cognitive function, neuropsychiatric disorders, nerve injury, drug exposure, central nervous system development
MeSH terms
Animals, Central Nervous System, Humans, Signal Transduction, DNA Methylation, Epigenesis, Genetic

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