DNA methylation

    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    DNA methylation, which can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing its sequence, has been implicated in aging and disease.

    Summary

    DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism (i.e., a change in gene activity or function that is not associated with any change of the DNA sequence itself) involving the transfer of a methyl group to the C5 position of the cytosine ring of DNA.[1] It is essential for normal development and plays an important role in many key processes, such as repressing the expression of potentially harmful genetic elements.

    Aging brings an increase in DNA methylation variability (i.e., an increase in DNA methylation in some tissues and a decrease in others) due to concurrent genetic and environmental influences.[2]

    Examine Database: DNA methylation

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    Small Decrease
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    Small Increase

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    References

    1. ^Lisa D Moore, Thuc Le, Guoping FanDNA methylation and its basic functionNeuropsychopharmacology.(2013 Jan)
    2. ^O Vershinina, M G Bacalini, A Zaikin, C Franceschi, M IvanchenkoDisentangling age-dependent DNA methylation: deterministic, stochastic, and nonlinearSci Rep.(2021 Apr 28)

    Examine Database References

    1. Resveratrol - Zhu W, Qin W, Zhang K, Rottinghaus GE, Chen YC, Kliethermes B, Sauter ERTrans-resveratrol alters mammary promoter hypermethylation in women at increased risk for breast cancerNutr Cancer.(2012 Apr)
    2. Creatine - Freilinger M, Dunkler D, Lanator I, Item CB, Mühl A, Fowler B, Bodamer OAEffects of creatine supplementation in Rett syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled trialJ Dev Behav Pediatr.(2011 Jul-Aug)