A possible role of DNA methylation on the CpG island in the promoter of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C gene during differentiation in P19 embryonal carcinoma cells

Epigenetics plays a crucial role in normal gene function and regulation. Gene expression can be controlled epigenetically by influencing the chromatin conformation structure to either permit transcription or prevent binding of transcriptional complexes. DNA methylation is one epigenetic mechanism that can influence gene expression. In mammals, CpGs and CpG islands are generally targeted for DNA methylation. This research study used the sodium bisulfite chemical reaction followed by DNA sequencing to examine the methylation status of the CpG island in the promoter of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2c (Htr2c) gene. This gene was found to be up-regulated when the P19 embryonal carcinoma cell line was exposed to All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for 24hrs. Our data suggests no change in the DNA methylation pattern of the CpG island in the promoter of Htr2c or in a possible regulatory region located upstream of the promoter in association with the ATRA addition and up-regulation occurring.