Function
Methyl CpG binding proteins are called MBD1 to MBD4 and contain a methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD) which binds to methylated DNA[1].
• MBD1 is a transcription regulator. It reverts methylated cytosine bases to cytosine.
• MBD2 is part of the MeCP1 complex which contains also NuRD. MBD2 recruits histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases. MBD2 functions as a scaffold protein promoting repression.
• MBD3 binds to hydroxymethylated DNA.
• MBD4 has a G:T mispair-specific activity.
• Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is present in mature nerve cells and is involved in turning off several genes. For more details see Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 and Rett Syndrome Protein.
Disease
Mutations in MBD2 are involved in Rett syndrome[2].
Relevance
MBD1 has a role in lung, prostate, pancreatic, colorectal cancers and promyelocytic leukemia. MBD2 has a role in lung, prostate, renal, colorectal cancers. MBD3 has a role in lung, prostate, ovarian cancers and promyelocytic leukemia. MBD4 has a role in gastric, liver and colorectal cancers.
Structural highlights
[3].
3D structures of methyl CpG binding protein
Methyl CpG binding protein 3D structures
