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DNA methylation in mouse embryonic stem cells and development

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Abstract

Mammalian development is associated with considerable changes in global DNA methylation levels at times of genomic reprogramming. Normal DNA methylation is essential for development but, despite considerable advances in our understanding of the DNA methyltransferases, the reason that development fails when DNA methylation is deficient remains unclear. Furthermore, although much is known about the enzymes that cause DNA methylation, comparatively little is known about the mechanisms or significance of active demethylation in early development. In this review, we discuss the roles of the various DNA methyltransferases and their likely functions in development.

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  1. Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

    Tom Latham, Nick Gilbert & Bernard Ramsahoye

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  1. Tom Latham
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  2. Nick Gilbert
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  3. Bernard Ramsahoye
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Correspondence to Bernard Ramsahoye.

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Latham, T., Gilbert, N. & Ramsahoye, B. DNA methylation in mouse embryonic stem cells and development. Cell Tissue Res 331, 31–55 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-007-0537-9

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