Methyl CpG binding protein

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.

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