Structural features of DNMT1

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism by which our genes are regulated. DNA methylation patterns are determined during early development by *de novo* methyltransferases and this pattern is inherited and maintained by the methyltransferase DNMT1. A number of structural features are present in DNMT1 to provide the substrate specificity required to maintain methylation patterns without causing aberrant methylation of important genes. Here, we explore these specificity and autoinhibitory features that allow this complex molecule to perform its vital function references: Zhang, Zhi-Min, et al. "Crystal structure of human DNA methyltransferase 1." Journal of molecular biology 427.15 (2015): 2520-2531. Song, Jikui, et al. "Structure of DNMT1-DNA complex reveals a role for autoinhibition in maintenance DNA methylation." science 331.6020 (2011): 1036-1040. Song, Jikui, et al. "Structure-based mechanistic insights into DNMT1-mediated maintenance DNA methylation." Science 335.6069 (2012): 709-712.