Main article: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
During DNA methylation, the methyl group CH3-special enzymes attach to one of the DNA bases, cytosine. As a result, 5-methylcytosine is formed, and gene expression changes.
DNA methylation is a dynamic process. It can change due to external factors, is associated with the development of a number of pathologies and in some cases can be inherited by several next generations. Methylation plays a key role in development and ageing processes. With age, changes in methylation patterns are observed: some regions of the genome are demethylated, and the reverse process occurs - hypermethylation of some promoter regions, including certain tumor suppressor genes, which is associated with the development of pathologies.
Methylation change is thought to play a key role in aging, and can also be used as a molecular clock to determine biological age, which correlates with passport, but not absolutely.
See also
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