Work

Methylation patterns in the gene for the alpha subunit of chorionic gonadotropin are inherited with variable fidelity in clonal lineages of human fibroblasts

Year: 1985

Type: article

Abstract: Cytosine methylation in DNA of an endogenous single-copy gene locus, the alpha-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (alpha-hCG), was assessed in a mass culture and individual clonal lineages of human diploid fibroblasts. Progressive hypomethylation at -CCGG- sites in this gene occurred during the replicative lifespan of the mass culture and was shown to arise randomly during clonal expansion. Thus, some clones and subclones lost -CCGG- methylation in the alpha-hCG gene region while others maintained essentially complete methylation. These data indicate significant interclonal variability in the fidelity with which DNA methylation is transmitted in an endogenous gene.

Source: Nucleic Acids Research

DOI: 10.1093/nar/13.19.7055

Authors: Samuel Goldstein, Robert J. Shmookler Reis

Institutions: Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Epigenetics and DNA Methylation

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging