Life: The Science of Biology
Life: The Science of Biology
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781319010164
Author: David E. Sadava, David M. Hillis, H. Craig Heller, Sally D. Hacker
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
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Chapter 16, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

To review:

The roles of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) methylation and histone deacetylation in gene expression of the given cell lines.

Given:

The table given below shows the individual as well as the combined effect of the drugs on the DNA methylation and histone acetylation.

Treatment
Untreated control of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) transcript of: AZA TSA AZA+TSA
Gene 1 7 23 25
Gene 2 <1 <1 11

Introduction:

Two different compounds AZA and TSA are used to inhibit the DNA methyl transferase and histone deacetylase, respectively. The researchers studied the effects of the inhibitors both combinedly and separately.

The cells in which these genes were silenced were also tested in another experiment. These cells were incubated with the inhibitor. The genes of interest were amplified. The amplified products obtained were proportional to the original mRNA quantities.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The modification of histones by acetylation is important in epigenetic regulation of gene expression and also modulates the accessibility of transcription factors to their target DNA sequences. Likewise, another epigenetic event, i.e., DNA methylation, also affects the cell function by the alteration in gene expression. From the given data provided, it can be inferred that the individual action of AZA and TSA is much less compared to the combined treatment of both the drugs (AZA+TSA). The expression of gene 1 and gene 2 affected by the drugs when applied individually, and in combination shows a higher value in AZA+TSA treatment. These drugs play a vital role in the process of carcinogenesis. The inhibitor of DNA methylation re-expresses or restores the tumor suppressor activity in the cancer cells. The same is the case with the inhibitor of histone deacetylation. Therefore, it can be inferred that the expression of genes that suppress the growth of tumor is shut down by the process of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation.

Conclusion

Therefore, the role of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation influences gene expression to prevent the suppression of the tumor growth.

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