DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) is an important family of enzymes that catalyze and maintain DNA methylation, a common marker in the epigenetic silencing of target genes. The enzymes play a key role in the regulation of gene expression and genomic imprinting/development.
Three groups of DNMTs have been found in mammals:
1. DNMT1 - A key enzyme in DNA replication and the maintenance of DNA methylation.
2. DNMT2 - Highly conserved between species, this DNMT mainly acts as a transfer RNA (tRNA) methyltransferase, through the methylation of specific residues in the anticodon.
3. DNMT3 - Contains three subunits: 3A and 3B are de novo DNA methyltransferases, and 3L is a regulatory protein that plays a role in embryonic development, gene imprinting, and chromosome inactivation.
DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B form a protein complex that interacts with histone deacetylases (such as HDAC1, HDAC2, Sin3A), transcriptional repressors (examples include RB and TAZ-1), and heterochromatin-associated proteins (HP1, SUV39H1) to promote gene silencing and maintain normal levels of DNA methylation. DNMT1 is one of the most important and most-studied enzymes in the DNMT family. Numerous studies have found that DNMT1 is involved in the abnormal methylation of DNA, and the occurrence/development of tumors, usually through the silencing of tumor suppressor genes.
To promote research into epigenetics, ABclonal Technology offers a wide range of DNMT-specific antibodies, as well as other factors that are involved in the epigenetic writing and erasing of core histones.
DNMT1 Polyclonal Antibody
DNMT3A Polyclonal Antibody