CpG as a genomic signalling module. (360G-Wellcome-091580_B_10_Z)

The self-complementary dinucleotide sequence 5 CpG3 occurs in the genome in three forms: unmethylated, methylated and, as demonstrated recently, hydroxymethylated. Our over-arching model is that this short sequence, despite its simplicity, is a genomic signalling module whose variable density and diverse modification status directly influence chromatin structures. This programme will test aspects of the model using biochemical, cell biological and genetic approaches. Our emphasis will be on com mon features shared by CpG islands and on proteins that potentially read the CpG signal by preferentially binding to either its non-methylated or its methylated form.