Cohesin depletion induces DNA hypermethylation. (A) DNA methyltransferase expression level in REC8- or RAD21-depleted ESCs via immunoblot analysis. The expression level of DNMT3b was measured in kleisin factor-depleted undifferentiated cells compared with that in the control cells (B). (C) Representative images of DNA methylation in REC8- or RAD21-depleted ESCs. 5mC was used to stain the siControl-, siREC8-, and siRAD21-treated ESCs. (D) Increase in 5mC-staining intensity due to the presence of the abnormal cohesin complex in ESCs. (E) Model of α-kleisin factor functions. Depletion of the α-kleisin factors REC8 or RAD21 in the cohesin complex promoted DNA hypermethylation and accumulation of DNA gaps.
