Transposable elements (TEs) need to be tightly regulated in genomes to prevent the detrimental consequences of transposition. In this Review, Deniz, Frost and Branco discuss how DNA methylation dynamics play a central role in the multilayered epigenetic mechanisms regulating TEs. Beyond roles for 5-methylcytosine (5mC), they discuss TET-mediated oxidation products of 5mC, as well as ongoing debates about the functional relevance of adenine methylation.
- Özgen Deniz
- Jennifer M. Frost
- Miguel R. Branco