DNA Methyltransferase 3 Alpha (DNMT3A)

DNMT3A is an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the transfer of methyl groups to cytosine residues in DNA, specifically at CpG dinucleotides. This enzyme primarily functions in *de novo* methylation, meaning it establishes new methylation patterns during development rather than maintaining existing ones. DNA methylation by DNMT3A plays a crucial role in gene silencing and regulation of gene expression, regulation of protein and lipid metabolism, control of neurotransmitter signaling pathways, and establishment of cell lineage-specific gene expression patterns during embryonic development and differentiation, especially in hematopoietic stem cells. Mutations or alterations in the *DNMT3A* gene are associated with several conditions, including DNMT3A Overgrowth Syndrome and hematologic malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia.

Other names

DNMT3a

Catalyzes the transfer of methyl groups to cytosine residues in DNA at CpG dinucleotides.