How does methylation regulate protein synthesis?

DNA methylation regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s) to DNA. During development, the pattern of DNA methylation in the genome changes as a result of a dynamic process involving both de novo DNA methylation and demethylation.

What is the role of methylation in protein synthesis?

The biological function of prenylcysteine methylation is to facilitate the targeting of CAAX proteins to membrane surfaces within cells. Prenylcysteine can be demethylated and this reverse reaction is catalyzed by isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methylesterases.

How does methylation of DNA affect protein synthesis?

DNA methylation is usually associated with gene silencing. If DNA methylation is required for the synthesis of necessary consolidative proteins, this would imply that a prerequisite for this synthesis is the silencing of one or more repressor genes.

How is protein methylation detected?

Mass spectrometry based technologies and methodologies are powerful tools to confidently identify and characterize methylated amino-acids. They also enable to distinguish methylation subtypes, and to localize modification sites. Mass spectrometry can quantitatively measure protein methylation states and their dynamics.

What is the process of methylation?

Methylation is a simple biochemical process – it is the transfer of four atoms – one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms (CH3) – from one substance to another.

How does methylation of histone affect gene expression?

Methylation can effect how other protein such as transcription factors interact with the nucleosomes. Lysine acetylation eliminates a positive charge on lysine thereby weakening the electrostatic attraction between histone and DNA resulting in partial unwinding of the DNA making it more accessible for gene expression.

How are histones modified to regulate gene transcription?

Histones may be chemically modified through the action of enzymes to regulate gene transcription. The most common modification are the methylation of arginine or lysine side or the acetylation of lysine. Methylation can effect how other protein such as transcription factors interact with the nucleosomes.

How is lysine acetylation related to gene expression?

Lysine acetylation eliminates a positive charge on lysine thereby weakening the electrostatic attraction between histone and DNA resulting in partial unwinding of the DNA making it more accessible for gene expression. Five major families of histones exist: H1/H5, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4.

How are histones affected by post translational modification?

Histones are subject to post translational modification by enzymes primarily on their N-terminal tails, but also in their globular domains. Such modifications include methylation, citrullination, acetylation, phosphorylation, SUMOylation, ubiquitination, and ADP-ribosylation.