The role of the de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in the nervous system

Author(s)
Nguyen, Suzanne Pham
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Biology.
Advisor
Rudolph Jaenisch.
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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.
 
Date issued
2007
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/38989
Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biology
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Biology.
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