DNA methylation
noun
: the enzymatically controlled addition of a methyl group to a nucleotide base (such as cytosine in eukaryotes) in a molecule of DNA that plays a role in regulating gene expression (as by the inhibition of genetic transcription)
When a methyl group attaches to a specific spot on a gene—a process called DNA methylation—it can change the gene's expression, turning it off or on, dampening it or making it louder.—
John Cloud
John CloudA handful of drugs that affect DNA methylation already exist, and are being used to treat cancers in which faulty gene labeling plays a role.—Helen Pilcher
Helen PilcherA process called DNA methylation sets down "marks" on bits of DNA and is typically thought to squelch gene expression.—Sarah Baldauf
Sarah BaldaufDNA methylation is a mark on genomic DNA made by addition of methyl groups to cytosine bases …—Adrian Bird
Adrian BirdExamples of DNA methylation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Potentially causal associations between placental DNA methylation and schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders
As the marketing coordinator at Discover Magazine, Stephanie Edwards interacts with readers across Discover's social media channels and writes digital content.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
Many studies in both animals and humans have shown that DNA methylation patterns change over time and can be used as a sort of molecular clock, ticking along as people age.
—Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025
For the new study, researchers looked for shifts in DNA methylation in 21 pairs of adult biological twins.
—Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 29 July 2024
As for how this might happen, Choi pointed to higher temperatures potentially triggering cellular stress and inflammation, as well as influencing DNA methylation patterns.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 10 Mar. 2025
Research in animal models has shown that extreme heat can trigger what’s known as a maladaptive epigenetic memory, or lasting changes in DNA methylation patterns.
—Eunyoung Choi, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
Other tools, such as the Epigenetic Clock, which measures DNA methylation patterns, provide complementary information about biological age.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
In 2011, geneticist Steve Horvath, along with a team of researchers at UCLA, homed in on a system that could accurately estimate a person’s biological age based on several DNA methylation markers in the blood.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
The study also measured changes in the participants’ DNA methylation — a method used by cells to control gene expression — which are strongly correlated with aging.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 1 Jan. 2025
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Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
Many studies in both animals and humans have shown that DNA methylation patterns change over time and can be used as a sort of molecular clock, ticking along as people age.
—Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025
For the new study, researchers looked for shifts in DNA methylation in 21 pairs of adult biological twins.
—Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 29 July 2024
As for how this might happen, Choi pointed to higher temperatures potentially triggering cellular stress and inflammation, as well as influencing DNA methylation patterns.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 10 Mar. 2025
Research in animal models has shown that extreme heat can trigger what’s known as a maladaptive epigenetic memory, or lasting changes in DNA methylation patterns.
—Eunyoung Choi, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
Other tools, such as the Epigenetic Clock, which measures DNA methylation patterns, provide complementary information about biological age.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
In 2011, geneticist Steve Horvath, along with a team of researchers at UCLA, homed in on a system that could accurately estimate a person’s biological age based on several DNA methylation markers in the blood.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
The study also measured changes in the participants’ DNA methylation — a method used by cells to control gene expression — which are strongly correlated with aging.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 1 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“DNA methylation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA%20methylation. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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