DNMT3B isoforms without catalytic activity stimulate gene body methylation as accessory proteins in somatic cells

Abstract

De novoDNA methylation is carried out by DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A/B, although DNMT3B isoforms without active catalytic domains are widely expressed. Here, the authors show that DNMT3B isoforms stimulate gene body methylation and re-methylation independently of the isoforms' catalytic activity.