The role of the de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in the nervous system
Name
166409256-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
9.46 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
bbb7f7cb52a9e3a844290f661acd737d
Author(s)
Nguyen, Suzanne Pham
Advisor(s)
Rudolph Jaenisch.
Date Issued
2007
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important mechanism of gene regulation. Evidence is mounting that epigenetic mechanisms including that of DNA methylation operate in the nervous system. Genetic disruption of the de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in mice were used to elucidate the role of the enzyme in the nervous system. Inactivating Dnmt3a in the nervous system resulted in a drastically shortened lifespan and in behavioral abnormalities that suggested a motor defect. Dnmt3a mutants also exhibited motor neuron loss and fragmented neuromuscular junction synapses. These results support a requirement for DNA methyltransferase activity in the neuromuscular system.
Description
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Biology, 2007.
Includes bibliographical references.
Subjects
Biology.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biology
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