Methylated DNA consists of a methyl group (-CH3) added to the cytosine base of DNA, primarily at CpG dinucleotides. These small methyl groups play a large role in regulating gene expression, genome stability, and various cellular processes. One of the primary functions of methylated DNA is the regulation of gene expression. Methylation at CpG islands in gene promoters often leads to gene silencing by preventing the efficient binding of transcription factors and RNA polymerase to the DNA. This mechanism therefore serves as a way for cells to control which genes are turned on or off in a specific context, contributing to cell differentiation and tissue-specific functions. Methylated DNA also helps maintain genomic stability by suppressing transposable elements, repetitive sequences, and viral DNA integration. Here, methylation acts as a defence mechanism against these potentially harmful mobile DNA elements, preventing their activation and subsequent mobility within the genome. DNA methylation also plays a critical role in genomic imprinting, the process whereby specific genes are differentially methylated based on their parental origin. Imprinting is essential for proper embryonic development, and disruptions in this process can lead to developmental disorders. In females, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated in each cell to equalize gene expression between males and females. DNA methylation is the mechanism responsible for silencing one of the X chromosomes, ensuring dosage compensation. DNA methylation patterns change markedly during development and cell differentiation. Stem cells often have low basal levels of methylation, allowing for regulatory plasticity and differentiation potential. As cells differentiate into specific lineages however, DNA methylation patterns are established and become more stable, locking in the gene expression profiles appropriate for each cell type. Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of many diseases, including cancer, with hypomethylation of promoter regions for example leading to the overexpression of oncogenes. For example, hypomethylation of the MYC promoter is frequently observed in many cancers, including breast, colon, and lung cancers. DNA methylation changes are also associated with some neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic conditions. DNA methylation is also sensitive to environmental factors, including diet, lifestyle, and exposure to toxins. These factors can lead to changes in DNA methylation patterns, influencing susceptibility to diseases and impacting the overall health of an individual.Whilst DNA methylation patterns are generally erased and re-established during gametogenesis and early embryonic development, there is growing evidence that some methylation marks are inherited from one generation to the next. This phenomenon, known as epigenetic inheritance, suggests that environmental factors and experiences of one generation may influence the health and traits of subsequent generations. For example, studies have shown that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy can lead to altered DNA methylation patterns in genes related to metabolic regulation in the offspring. The reversible nature of DNA methylation makes it an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. DNA methylation inhibitors have been developed to modify DNA methylation patterns and are used in the treatment of certain cancers, particularly myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We provide a wide product catalogue of research tools for studying methylated DNA, including KAP1 antibodies, and CBX4 antibodies. Explore our full methylated DNA product range below and discover more, for less.