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CpG-rich islands and the function of DNA methylation

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Abstract

It is likely that most vertebrate genes are associated with ‘HTF islands’—DNA sequences in which CpG is abundant and non-methylated. Highly tissue-specific genes, though, usually lack islands. The contrast between islands and the remainder of the genome may identify sequences that are to be constantly available in the nucleus. DNA methylation appears to be involved in this function, rather than with activation of tissue specific genes.

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  1. MRC Mammalian Genome Unit, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK

    Adrian P. Bird

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Bird, A. CpG-rich islands and the function of DNA methylation. Nature 321, 209–213 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1038/321209a0

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