Hypomethylated

Hypomethylated refers to a state where there is a reduced level of methylation, a common epigenetic modification. Methylation typically involves the addition of a methyl group (CH3) to a molecule, most notably to DNA and proteins. In the context of DNA, methylation usually occurs at cytosine bases, often in CpG dinucleotides. This process plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression by either silencing genes or influencing their activity.

When DNA is hypomethylated, it means that the usual pattern of methylation has been altered, leading to fewer methyl groups attached to the DNA. This hypomethylation can have significant biological consequences. For instance, hypomethylation of gene promoter regions can lead to the inappropriate activation of genes that should be silenced, potentially contributing to cellular dysfunction or disease. Conversely, hypomethylation in other genomic regions might lead to increased genetic instability.

Hypomethylation is a phenomenon observed in various biological processes and disease states. It is a key feature of cancer development, where global hypomethylation and specific gene hypomethylation can drive oncogenesis. Furthermore, environmental factors, aging, and certain genetic mutations can also lead to hypomethylated states. Understanding hypomethylation is important for research into gene regulation, development, and the pathogenesis of various diseases.