Abstract
Epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation play an important role in regulating gene expression. Aberrant DNA methylation is a feature of a number of important human diseases. Epigenetic changes are common in human cancer cells. Learning objectives: To appreciate the role of DNA methylation as a regulator of gene expression. To understand the role of DNA methylation in normal gene function. To illustrate how DNA methylation is implicated in the regulation of genomic imprinting. To draw attention to how altered DNA methylation can result in human diseases such as imprinting disorders and cancer. Ethical issues: What are the implications for assisted reproductive technologies? There are possible difficulties in interpreting the clinical significance of alterations in DNA methylation. Please cite this article as: Lim DHK, Maher ER. DNA methylation: a form of epigenetic control of gene expression. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:37–42.
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