Andrea Scelfo, Viviana Barra, Nezar Abdennur, George Spracklin, Florence Busato, Catalina Salinas-Luypaert, Elena Bonaiti, Guillaume Velasco, Frédéric Bonhomme, Anna Chipont, Andréa E Tijhuis, Diana C J Spierings, Coralie Guérin, Paola Arimondo, Claire Francastel, Floris Foijer, Jӧrg Tost, Leonid Mirny, Daniele Fachinetti
DNA methylation (DNAme) is a key epigenetic mark that regulates critical biological processes maintaining overall genome stability. Given its pleiotropic function, studies of DNAme dynamics are crucial, but currently available tools to interfere with DNAme have limitations and major cytotoxic side effects. Here, we present cell models that allow inducible and reversible DNAme modulation through DNMT1 depletion. By dynamically assessing whole genome and locus-specific effects of induced passive demethylation through cell divisions, we reveal a cooperative activity between DNMT1 and DNMT3B, but not of DNMT3A, to maintain and control DNAme...
April 1, 2024: Journal of Cell Biology