meCP

meCP refers to methylated CpG DNA binding proteins. These proteins play a crucial role in gene regulation, particularly in silencing gene expression. They recognize and bind to CpG sites in DNA that have undergone methylation, a common epigenetic modification.

The methylation of cytosine bases within CpG dinucleotides is a key mechanism for regulating gene activity without altering the underlying DNA sequence. meCP proteins, such as Methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 1 (MBD1), MBD2, MBD3, and MBD4, are recruited to these methylated regions. Once bound, they often interact with other proteins, forming larger complexes that can modify chromatin structure. This modification typically leads to a more condensed chromatin state, making the DNA less accessible to transcription factors and thus repressing gene transcription.

meCP proteins are involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, cellular differentiation, and the maintenance of genomic stability. Dysregulation of meCP proteins or their associated pathways has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. For example, aberrant DNA methylation patterns and altered meCP function are frequently observed in tumor cells, contributing to the silencing of tumor suppressor genes. Understanding the function of meCP proteins is therefore essential for comprehending epigenetic regulation and its implications in health and disease.