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Solving the Dnmt2 enigma

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Abstract

Dnmt2 is a member of the animal DNA methyltransferase family of enzymes. While the role of other Dnmt proteins has been extensively characterized, comparably little is known about Dnmt2. This is surprising because Dnmt2 is the most widely conserved Dnmt protein, with homologues in protists, plants, fungi, and animals. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the seemingly contradictory roles of Dnmt2 in both DNA and RNA methylation. New studies are uncovering the enzymatic mechanisms that mediate these activities and also provide first insights into the biological functions of Dnmt2. Lastly, we also discuss observations that suggest a possible role for Dnmt2 in human health and disease, which further emphasizes the importance of defining Dnmt2-modulated cellular pathways in future studies.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge their support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SPP1129 and FOR1082).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Epigenetics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany

    Matthias Schaefer & Frank Lyko

  2. Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Frank Lyko

Authors
  1. Matthias Schaefer
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  2. Frank Lyko
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Frank Lyko.

Additional information

Communicated by E.A. Nigg

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Schaefer, M., Lyko, F. Solving the Dnmt2 enigma. Chromosoma 119, 35–40 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00412-009-0240-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00412-009-0240-6

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