Proteins that directly bind to methylated DNA are involved in gene regulation, chromatin organization, and epigenetic maintenance. Methyl-CpG Binding Domain Proteins (MBD Proteins), including MeCP2, MBD1, MBD2, and MBD4, each possess a conserved Methyl-CpG Binding Domain (MBD). MBD-containing proteins specifically recognize and bind to methylated CpG dinucleotides in DNA, acting as epigenetic readers, and play roles in gene regulation. Mutations in the MECP2 gene are associated with Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, whilst dysregulation of MBD1 has been implicated in breast and prostate cancer. Another protein associated with methylated DNA is UHRF1 (Ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1). UHRF1 contains a Plant Homeo Domain (PHD), a SET and RING-associated (SRA) domain, and a RING finger domain. UHRF1 directly recognizes hemi-methylated DNA, and acts as a molecular bridge, recruiting DNMT1 for maintenance DNA methylation and with other chromatin regulators. UHRF1 overexpression has been observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) where it may promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. Kaiso (ZBTB33) is a transcription factor containing three Krüppel-like C2H2 zinc fingers that bind to methylated CpG sites, acting as a transcriptional regulator. It can either repress or activate gene expression depending on its cofactors and the context. Kaiso overexpression has been linked with various cancers, including colorectal cancer where it may regulate genes associated with cell proliferation and invasion. MGMT (O-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase) is a DNA repair enzyme with a single active-site cysteine residue essential for its function. MGMT directly removes alkyl groups, including methyl groups, from the O-6 position of guanine bases in DNA, repairing DNA lesions caused by DNA methylation and alkylating agents. Reduced MGMT activity due to promoter methylation is associated with increased sensitivity to alkylating chemotherapy drugs, making it a critical factor in cancer treatment. ZBTB38 (Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 38) contains both zinc finger and BTB (Broad-Complex, Tramtrack, and Bric-à-brac) domains and is involved in transcriptional regulation and DNA binding, including binding to methylated DNA regions. It can also recruit other chromatin modifiers and transcriptional regulators to its target sites. Aberrant ZBTB38 expression has been associated with certain cancers, including pancreatic cancer where it may contribute to oncogenic processes through its roles in transcriptional regulation. Another zinc finger transcription factor, CTCF (CCCTC-Binding Factor) contains eleven zinc finger domains that facilitate methylated DNA binding. CTCF has multifaceted roles in gene regulation, including insulator activity, enhancer-blocking, and chromatin loop formation. It can bind to methylated DNA and influence chromatin organization. In breast cancer, alterations in CTCF binding sites have been observed. In some breast cancers, CTCF binding sites near the MYC gene, which is often amplified in breast cancer, may be disrupted, resulting in increased MYC expression, a known driver of cancer growth. Altered CTCF binding can therefore lead to abnormal gene expression patterns. Thus, proteins that directly bind to methylated DNA play roles in epigenetic regulation, DNA repair, and chromatin organization. Dysregulation or mutations in these proteins can contribute to a variety of diseases, including neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome and various cancers. We offer a comprehensive product catalogue of research reagents for studying methylated DNA binding proteins, including PCNA antibodies, MeCP2 antibodies, and MBD3 antibodies. Explore our full methylated DNA binding proteins product range below and discover more, for less.