Domain Structure of the Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b DNA Methyltransferases

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016:945:63-86. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-43624-1_4.

Abstract

In mammals, three DNA methyltransferases, Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b, have been identified. Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b are responsible for establishing DNA methylation patterns produced through their de novo-type DNA methylation activity in implantation stage embryos and during germ cell differentiation. Dnmt3-like (Dnmt3l), which is a member of the Dnmt3 family but does not possess DNA methylation activity, was reported to be indispensable for global methylation in germ cells. Once the DNA methylation patterns are established, maintenance-type DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1 faithfully propagates them to the next generation via replication. All Dnmts possess multiple domains, and in this chapter, the structures and functions of these domains are described.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / chemistry*
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / genetics
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation / genetics*
  • DNA Methyltransferase 3A
  • DNA Methyltransferase 3B
  • Embryo Implantation / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Protein Domains / genetics*
  • Protein Structure, Secondary

Substances

  • DNMT3A protein, human
  • Dnmt3a protein, mouse
  • DNA
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
  • DNA Methyltransferase 3A
  • DNMT1 protein, human
  • Dnmt1 protein, mouse