DNA Methyltransferase

DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) is a family of enzymes crucial for the epigenetic modification of DNA through the addition of methyl groups to the cytosine bases in DNA. This process, known as DNA methylation, is vital for regulating gene expression, influencing cell differentiation, and maintaining genomic stability. DNMTs play key roles in developmental processes and are also implicated in various diseases, including cancer, where abnormal methylation patterns can lead to inappropriate gene silencing or activation. There are several types of DNMTs, including DNMT1, which primarily maintains methylation patterns during DNA replication, and DNMT3A and DNMT3B, which are responsible for de novo methylation.