DNA methylation patterns of the γδβ-globin genes in human fetal and adult erythroid tissues

✍ Scribed by L. S. L. Loo; Dr. M. N. Cauchi

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1992
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 345 KB
• Volume: 39
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0361-8609
• DOI: 10.1002/ajh.2830390410

✦ Synopsis

An investigation of the correlation between the y->p-globin switch and DNA methylation was carried out. The restriction patterns obtained with methylation-sensitive and -insensitive enzymes indicated hypomethylation in the promoter region of the r-globin genes in fetal liver DNA but high methylation of the same region in all other samples (except in the presence of an elevated erythroblast count or leukemia). All samples appeared to be partially hypomethylated at the 5' end of the &globin gene and hypomethylated at the 3' region of the p-globin gene. Although consistent with a role for DNA methylation in globin gene regulation, the results also suggest that other factors besides methylation may be required for regulation of the level of expression, and switching of the globin genes.