Understanding Demethylation: The Process and Its Role in Biology and Disease

Demethylation is a process by which methyl groups are removed from DNA or proteins. Methylation is a common epigenetic modification that can affect gene expression and protein function. Demethylation reverses the effects of methylation, allowing for changes in gene expression and cellular behavior.

There are several enzymes that can demethylate DNA and proteins, including ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins and the enzyme, OGG. These enzymes use different mechanisms to remove methyl groups from their target molecules.

Demethylation plays a crucial role in many biological processes, including embryonic development, cellular differentiation, and immune cell function. It is also implicated in cancer and other diseases, as altered patterns of demethylation can lead to changes in gene expression that contribute to disease progression.

In summary, demethylation is the process by which methyl groups are removed from DNA or proteins, leading to changes in gene expression and cellular behavior. It plays a crucial role in many biological processes and is implicated in various diseases.