Uracil-DNA glycosylase is involved in DNA demethylation and required for embryonic development in the zebrafish embryo

Abstract

Background: Ung implication in DNA demethylation and embryonic development is poorly understood. Results: unga knockdown in the zebrafish embryo increases global DNA methylation level, inhibits transcription, and causes embryonic lethality whereas its overexpression produces opposite effects on DNA methylation and transcription. Conclusion: Unga is involved in postfertilization DNA demethylation and transcription. Significance: The findings shed new light on Ung function in DNA demethylation and embryonic development. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. Published in the U.S.A.