The DFG supports a researach project of Prof. Jeltsch, which investigates the biochemical properties of the DNMT3 DNA methyltransferases.
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that in concert with histone tail modifications is essential for gene regulation. In mammals, the DNA methylation patterns are set during embryogenesis and development but aberrantly altered during the onset and progression of diseases like cancer. The DNMT3A and 3B DNA methyltransferases play central roles in these processes, but it is still largely unknown, how DNA methylation patterns are generated and maintained. In this grant application, we aim to investigate key biochemical properties of DNMT3 enzymes, including their interaction with PTMs of histone tails, multimerization of the enzymes and regulation of their activity by PTMs, interactors and by allosteric mechanisms. Our central goal is to understand the mechanism, cellular role, regulation and targeting of DNMT3A and DNMT3B with the long term goal to learn how DNA methylation patterns are generated and changed in cells.
| Contact | Prof. Dr. Albert Jeltsch |
|---|