CpG islands and the regulation of transcription

TitleCpG islands and the regulation of transcription
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsDeaton, A. M., and A. Bird
Vertebrate CpG islands (CGIs) are short interspersed DNA sequences that deviate significantly from the average genomic pattern by being GC-rich, CpG-rich, and predominantly nonmethylated. Most, perhaps all, CGIs are sites of transcription initiation, including thousands that are remote from currently annotated promoters. Shared DNA sequence features adapt CGIs for promoter function by destabilizing nucleosomes and attracting proteins that create a transcriptionally permissive chromatin state. Silencing of CGI promoters is achieved through dense CpG methylation or polycomb recruitment, again using their distinctive DNA sequence composition. CGIs are therefore generically equipped to influence local chromatin structure and simplify regulation of gene activity.
Title CpG islands and the regulation of transcription
Publication Title Genes Dev
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2011
Authors A.M. Deaton; A. Bird
Accession Number 21576262
Number 10
ISBN Number 1549-5477 (Electronic)<br/>0890-9369 (Linking)
Grant List
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