Question

What is the relationships between DNA methylation & Epigenetics and DNA methylation & Imprinting?

Answer 1

DNA methylation and Epigenetics -

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism involving the transfer of a methyl group onto the C5 position of the cytosine to form 5-methylcytosine. DNA methylation regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factors to DNA. During development, the pattern of DNA methylation in the genome changes.  As a consequence, differentiated cells develop a stable and unique DNA methylation pattern that regulates tissue-specific gene transcription. The process of DNA methylation and demethylation in the nervous system. Neurons express DNA methyltransferases and components involved in DNA demethylation. Moreover, neuronal activity can modulate their pattern of DNA methylation in response to physiological and environmental stimuli.

Epigenetics is study of heritable changes in gene activity or function that is not associated with any change of the DNA sequence itself.

DNA methylation and imprinting -  Is an epigenetic phenomenon that causes genes to be expressed in a parent specific manner. It is an inheritance process independent of the classical Mendelian inheritance. It is an epigenetic process that involves DNA methylation and histone methylation without altering the genetic sequence.