Evolutionary analysis indicates that DNA alkylation damage is a byproduct of cytosine DNA methyltransferase activity.

Methylation at the 5 position of cytosine in DNA (5meC) is a key epigenetic mark in eukaryotes. Once introduced, 5meC can be maintained through DNA replication by the activity of 'maintenance' DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Despite their ancient origin, DNA methylation pathways differ widely across animals, such that 5meC is either confined to transcribed genes or lost altogether in several lineages.

The genome of the crustacean a model for animal development, regeneration, immunity and lignocellulose digestion.

The amphipod crustacean is a blossoming model system for studies of developmental mechanisms and more recently regeneration. We have sequenced the genome allowing annotation of all key signaling pathways, transcription factors, and non-coding RNAs that will enhance ongoing functional studies. is a member of the Malacostraca clade, which includes crustacean food crop species.

No longer a nuisance: long non-coding RNAs join CENP-A in epigenetic centromere regulation.

Centromeres represent the basis for kinetochore formation, and are essential for proper chromosome segregation during mitosis. Despite these essential roles, centromeres are not defined by specific DNA sequences, but by epigenetic means. The histone variant CENP-A controls centromere identity epigenetically and is essential for recruiting kinetochore components that attach the chromosomes to the mitotic spindle during mitosis.

Repetitive centromeric satellite RNA is essential for kinetochore formation and cell division.

Chromosome segregation requires centromeres on every sister chromatid to correctly form and attach the microtubule spindle during cell division. Even though centromeres are essential for genome stability, the underlying centromeric DNA is highly variable in sequence and evolves quickly. Epigenetic mechanisms are therefore thought to regulate centromeres.