Gadd45a promotes epigenetic gene activation by repair-mediated DNA demethylation.

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that is essential for gene silencing and genome stability in many organisms. Although methyltransferases that promote DNA methylation are well characterized, the molecular mechanism underlying active DNA demethylation is poorly understood and controversial. Here we show that Gadd45a (growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein 45 alpha), a nuclear protein involved in maintenance of genomic stability, DNA repair and suppression of cell growth, has a key role in active DNA demethylation.

LUMA (LUminometric Methylation Assay)--a high throughput method to the analysis of genomic DNA methylation.

Changes in genomic DNA methylation are recognized as important events in normal and pathological cellular processes, contributing both to normal development and differentiation as well as cancer and other diseases. Here, we report a novel method to estimate genome-wide DNA methylation, referred to as LUminometric Methylation Assay (LUMA). The method is based on combined DNA cleavage by methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes and polymerase extension assay by Pyrosequencing.

Silencing of retrotransposons in Dictyostelium by DNA methylation and RNAi.

We have identified a DNA methyltransferase of the Dnmt2 family in Dictyostelium that was denominated DnmA. Expression of the dnmA gene is downregulated during the developmental cycle. Overall DNA methylation in Dictyostelium is approximately 0.

Quantitative analysis of DNA methylation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

Changes in the genomic DNA methylation level have been found to be closely associated with tumorigenesis. In order to analyze the relation of aberrant DNA methylation to clinical and biological risk factors, we have determined the cytosine methylation level of 81 patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The analysis was based on DNA hydrolysis followed by derivatization of the 2'-desoxyribonucleoside-3'-monophosphates with BODIPY FL EDA.

Determination of the DNA methylation level in tumor cells by capillary electrophoresis and laser-induced fluorescence detection.

An analytical method to determine the genome-wide DNA methylation in only 100 ng DNA is presented. The analysis is based on DNA isolation and hydrolysis followed by derivatization of the 2'-desoxyribonucleoside-3'-monophosphates with a fluorescence dye (4,4-difluoro-5,7-dimethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-propionyl ethylene diamine hydrochloride, Bodipy FL EDA). The separation of the derivatives was carried out by micellar electrokinetic chromatography, and laser-induced fluorescence was used for detection.

A Dnmt2-like protein mediates DNA methylation in Drosophila.

The methylation status of Drosophila DNA has been discussed controversially over a long time. Recent evidence has provided strong support for the existence of 5-methylcytosine in DNA preparations from embryonic stages of fly development. The Drosophila genome contains a single candidate DNA methyltransferase gene that has been termed Dnmt2.

DNA hypermethylation in Drosophila melanogaster causes irregular chromosome condensation and dysregulation of epigenetic histone modifications.

The level of genomic DNA methylation plays an important role in development and disease. In order to establish an experimental system for the functional analysis of genome-wide hypermethylation, we overexpressed the mouse de novo methyltransferase Dnmt3a in Drosophila melanogaster. These flies showed severe developmental defects that could be linked to reduced rates of cell cycle progression and irregular chromosome condensation.

Capillary electrophoretic analysis of genomic DNA methylation levels.

Changes in DNA methylation have been found in the large majority of tumors. This phenomenon includes both genome-wide hypomethylation and gene- specific hypermethylation. However, the clinical relevance of either mechanism has remained contentious.