CpG and Non-CpG Methylation in Epigenetic Gene Regulation and Brain Function

Overview

Journal Genes (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Date 2017 May 27

PMID 28545252

Citations 172

Authors

Hyun Sik Jang

Woo Jung Shin

Jeong Eon Lee

Jeong Tae Do

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

DNA methylation is a major epigenetic mark with important roles in genetic regulation. Methylated cytosines are found primarily at CpG dinucleotides, but are also found at non-CpG sites (CpA, CpT, and CpC). The general functions of CpG and non-CpG methylation include gene silencing or activation depending on the methylated regions. CpG and non-CpG methylation are found throughout the whole genome, including repetitive sequences, enhancers, promoters, and gene bodies. Interestingly, however, non-CpG methylation is restricted to specific cell types, such as pluripotent stem cells, oocytes, neurons, and glial cells. Thus, accumulation of methylation at non-CpG sites and CpG sites in neurons seems to be involved in development and disease etiology. Here, we provide an overview of CpG and non-CpG methylation and their roles in neurological diseases.

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