Methylation Enzyme Modifies Gene Behavior

An enzyme has been found that attaches methyl groups to histone proteins and represses the activity of certain genes. The research was reported in the April 15, 2002, issue of Genes and Development.

Histone proteins are packaged together with DNA in the chromosomes. If methylation of these proteins is blocked, genes that normally are repressed may become activated. Such activated genes may transform normal cells into cancerous ones.

"In this study we showed that when this enzyme is active at a particular gene, it places a molecular marker on the gene, says Dr. Frank J. Rauscher III, a professor at The Wistar Institute (Philadelphia, PA, USA). "This molecular marker is crucial in silencing sets of genes.” Loss of this molecular marker from a particular set of genes in a normally nonaggressive breast cancer can cause it to become very aggressive and metastatic.

"Now that we have found a new enzyme that is required for the silencing of certain genes,” states Dr. Rauscher, "we believe it will be possible to create specific drugs that can either repress or activate gene expression through the targeting of this enzyme. This could lead to therapies for cancer and, specifically, for controlling the metastatic spread of cancer.”




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