Gene Regulation and Epigenetics · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between DNA methylation and histone modifications in establishing stable gene silencing?

  1. They operate fully independently of one another without any crosstalk
  2. DNA methylation recruits proteins that draw in histone-modifying enzymes
  3. Histone modifications must always be established before DNA methylation
  4. Histone modifications act to directly reverse and erase DNA methylation
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Correct answer: DNA methylation recruits proteins that draw in histone-modifying enzymes

DNA methylation recruits methyl-CpG-binding proteins that attract histone-modifying enzymes (e.g., deacetylases, methyltransferases), leading to chromatin compaction and stable gene silencing.

Difficulty: Medium Question 18 of 20

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