Abstract.
DNA methylation is a stable but not irreversible epigenetic signal that silences gene expression. It has a variety of important functions in mammals, including control of gene expression, cellular differentiation and development, preservation of chromosomal integrity, parental imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation. In addition, it has been implicated in brain function and the development of the immune system. Somatic alterations in genomic methylation patterns contribute to the etiology of human cancers and ageing. It is tightly interwoven with the modification of histone tails and other epigenetic signals. Here we review our current understanding of the molecular enzymology of the mammalian DNA methyltransferases Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b and Dnmt2 and the roles of the enzymes in the above-mentioned biological processes.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Received 10 May 2004; received after revision 8 June 2004; accepted 29 June 2004
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hermann, A., Gowher, H. & Jeltsch, A. Biochemistry and biology of mammalian DNA methyltransferases. CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 61, 2571–2587 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-004-4201-1
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-004-4201-1