MBD2

DNA methylation is the major modification of eukaryotic genomes and plays an essential role in mammalian development. Human proteins MECP2, MBD1, MBD2, MBD3, and MBD4 comprise a family of nuclear proteins related by the presence in each of a methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD). Each of these proteins, with the exception of MBD3, is capable of binding specifically to methylated DNA. MECP2, MBD1 and MBD2 can also repress transcription from methylated gene promoters. The protein encoded by this gene may function as a mediator of the biological consequences of the methylation signal. It is also reported that the this protein functions as a demethylase to activate transcription, as DNA methylation causes gene silencing. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.

Full Name

METHYL-CPG BINDING DOMAIN PROTEIN 2

Function

Binds CpG islands in promoters where the DNA is methylated at position 5 of cytosine within CpG dinucleotides. Binds hemimethylated DNA as well. Recruits histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases. Acts as transcriptional repressor and plays a role in gene silencing. Functions as a scaffold protein, targeting GATAD2A and GATAD2B to chromatin to promote repression. May enhance the activation of some unmethylated cAMP-responsive promoters.

Biological Process

Aging Source: Ensembl
Cellular response to organic cyclic compound Source: Ensembl
Chromatin remodeling Source: ComplexPortal
DNA methylation-dependent heterochromatin assembly Source: BHF-UCL
Embryonic organ development Source: Ensembl
Heart development Source: Ensembl
Histone deacetylation Source: ComplexPortal
Maternal behavior Source: Ensembl
Negative regulation of transcription, DNA-templated Source: UniProtKB
Negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: BHF-UCL
Positive regulation of chromatin binding Source: Ensembl
Positive regulation of transcription, DNA-templated Source: ComplexPortal
Positive regulation of Wnt signaling pathway Source: Ensembl
Regulation of cell population proliferation Source: Ensembl
Regulation of DNA methylation Source: Ensembl
Response to estradiol Source: Ensembl
Response to mechanical stimulus Source: Ensembl
Response to nutrient levels Source: Ensembl

Cellular Location

Nucleus
Note: Nuclear, in discrete foci. Detected at replication foci in late S phase.