Cited by 126Epigenetics and DNA MethylationGenomics and Chromatin DynamicsChromosomal and Genetic Variations

DNA methylation and late replication probably aid cell memory, and type I DNA reeling could aid chromosome folding and enhancer function

Riggs, A. D.·1990·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. B, Biological Sciences

Abstract

DNA methylation in mammals is reviewed, and it is concluded that one role of methylation is to aid cell memory, which is defined as the ability of mitotically derived progeny cells to remember and re-establish their proper cellular identity. Methylation of X-linked CpG-rich islands probably stabilizes X-chromosome inactivation, but other mechanisms appear to be involved. Late replication is discussed as a key ancestral mechanism for X inactivation, and it is emphasized that early and late replication domains may each be self perpetuating. Therefore, early-late replication timing becomes another strong candidate mechanism for cell memory. A chromosome-loop folding enigma is discussed, and it is concluded that special mechanisms are needed to explain the formation and maintenance of specific looped domains. DNA reeling, such as done by type I restriction-modification enzymes, is proposed to provide this special mechanism for folding. DNA reeling mechanisms can help to explain the cis-spreading of X-chromosome inactivation as well as long-range action by enhancers.

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Crossref · 10.1098/rstb.1990.0012

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Authors
Riggs, A. D.
Affiliations
City Of Hope National Medical Center (US)
Corresponding author
Riggs, A. D.
Venue
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. B, Biological Sciences
Published
1990-01-30
Volume
326
Issue
1235
Pages
285-297
ISSN
  • 0080-4622 (ISSN-L)
  • 2054-0280
OpenAlex
W2029630391
Cited by
126
References
50
Citations by year
2025: 3 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 1
FWCI
2.67
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Chromosomal and Genetic Variations
Keywords
DNA methylation, cellular memory, X chromosome inactivation, chromatin looping, chromosome folding, enhancer function, CpG islands, cell identity
MeSH terms
Animals, Base Sequence, Cell Physiological Phenomena, Chromosomes, DNA, DNA Replication, Gene Expression Regulation, Methylation, Models, Structural, Nucleic Acid Conformation, Transcription, Genetic, X Chromosome, Dinucleoside Phosphates

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