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A dynamic multi-compartmental model of DNA methylation with demonstrable predictive value in hematological malignancies

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 12:56 authored by Andrew P McGovern, Benjamin E Powell, Timothy ChevassutTimothy Chevassut
Recent advances have highlighted the central role of DNA methylation in leukemogenesis and have led to clinical trials of epigenetic therapy, notably hypomethylating agents, in myelodysplasia and acute myeloid leukemia. However, despite these advances, our understanding of the dynamic regulation of the methylome remains poor. We have attempted to address this shortcoming by producing a dynamic, six-compartmental model of DNA methylation levels based on the activity of the Dnmt methyltransferase proteins. In addition, the model incorporates the recently discovered Tet family proteins which enzymatically convert methylcytosine to hydroxymethylcytosine. A set of first order, partial differential equations comprise the model and were solved via numerical integration. The model is able to predict the relative abundances of unmethylated, hemimethylated, fully methylated, and hydroxymethylated CpG dyads in the DNA of cells with fully functional Dnmt and Tet proteins. In addition, the model accurately predicts the experimentally measured changes in these abundances with disruption of Dnmt function. Furthermore, the model reveals the mechanism whereby CpG islands are maintained in a hypomethylated state via local modulation of Dnmt and Tet activities without any requirement for active demethylation. We conclude that this model provides an accurate depiction of the major epigenetic processes involving modification of DNA.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Journal of Theoretical Biology

ISSN

1095-8541

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

7

Volume

310

Page range

14-20

Department affiliated with

  • Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Haematology Research Group Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-11-01

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