DNA cytosine-5 methyltransferases (MTases) recognize short DNA sequences and catalyze the transfer of the methyl group from the cofactor AdoMet to the C5-position of a target cytosine. In this work both these aspects of the MTase mechanism have been addressed. First, using rational protein design and directed evolution approaches the specificity of the HhaI MTase, GCGC, has been changed to GCG by functional elimination of one of the two target recognition elements. In addition, the introduced structural changes endowed the MTase with the ability to transfer extended groups from synthetic cofactor analogs, providing the first example of a dual specificity change in a DNA MTase. Second, the kinetics of fast pre-catalytic conformational transitions in the MTase and DNA has been investigated. A new method to follow the target cytosine flipping and its subsequent covalent activation has been proposed, which allows a direct real-time observation of these processes by monitoring associated UV absorbance changes in a chemically unperturbed DNA. These studies for the first time demonstrate that the flipping of the target cytosine and the closure of the catalytic loop in the enzyme occur simultaneously, whereas the covalent activation of the target cytosine and the transfer of the methyl group are temporally distinct steps in the catalytic cycle of M.HhaI. Since the new method is based on the general phenomenon of hyperchromicity, it is thus applicable for studies of other systems... [to full text] / DNR citozino-5 metiltransferazės (MTazės) atpažįsta specifines DNR sekas ir katalizuoja metilgrupės pernešimą nuo kofaktoriaus AdoMet ant taikinyje esančio citozino. Šiame darbe nagrinėjami abu MTazių veikimo mechanizmo aspektai. Baltymų inžinerijos ir kryptingos evoliucijos metodais pašalinant vienos iš dviejų taikinio atpažinimo kilpų funkciją, MTazės HhaI atpažįstamas taikinys GCGC pakeistas į GCG. Dėl įvestų struktūros pakeitimų nauja unikalaus specifiškumo MTazė efektyviai katalizuoja ne tik metilo, bet ir didesnių grupių pernešimą nuo sintetinių kofaktoriaus analogų, ir gali tapti naudingu molekulinės biologijos įrankiu. Katalitinės reakcijos metu MTazės kilpa užsidaro, apglėbdama surištą DNR, o taikinio citozinas išsukamas iš DNR spiralės ir aktyvuojamas, kovalentiškai prisijungiant katalitiniam cisteinui. Šiems greitiems prieškatalitiniams procesams tirti buvo panaudotas naujas metodas, leidžiantis realiu laiku stebėti M.HhaI sąlygotą citozino išsukimą bei kovalentinę aktyvaciją, registruojant mažus UV absorbcijos pokyčius gamtinį substratą atitinkančioje DNR. Pirmą kartą parodyta, kad M.HhaI katalizuojamoje reakcijoje citozino išsukimas ir katalitinės kilpos užsidarymas vyksta sinchroniškai, o kovalentinė citozino aktyvacija ir metilgrupės pernešimas yra kinetiškai netapačios katalitinio ciklo stadijos. Kadangi naujasis metodas remiasi fundamentine nukleorūgščių savybe – hiperchrominiu efektu, todėl jis gali būti naudojamas ir kitų DNR bazę išsukančių baltymų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

DNR citozino-5 metiltransferazės (MTazės) atpažįsta specifines DNR sekas ir katalizuoja metilgrupės pernešimą nuo kofaktoriaus AdoMet ant taikinyje esančio citozino. Šiame darbe nagrinėjami abu MTazių veikimo mechanizmo aspektai. Baltymų inžinerijos ir kryptingos evoliucijos metodais pašalinant vienos iš dviejų taikinio atpažinimo kilpų funkciją, MTazės HhaI atpažįstamas taikinys GCGC pakeistas į GCG. Dėl įvestų struktūros pakeitimų nauja unikalaus specifiškumo MTazė efektyviai katalizuoja ne tik metilo, bet ir didesnių grupių pernešimą nuo sintetinių kofaktoriaus analogų, ir gali tapti naudingu molekulinės biologijos įrankiu. Katalitinės reakcijos metu MTazės kilpa užsidaro, apglėbdama surištą DNR, o taikinio citozinas išsukamas iš DNR spiralės ir aktyvuojamas, kovalentiškai prisijungiant katalitiniam cisteinui. Šiems greitiems prieškatalitiniams procesams tirti buvo panaudotas naujas metodas, leidžiantis realiu laiku stebėti M.HhaI sąlygotą citozino išsukimą bei kovalentinę aktyvaciją, registruojant mažus UV absorbcijos pokyčius gamtinį substratą atitinkančioje DNR. Pirmą kartą parodyta, kad M.HhaI katalizuojamoje reakcijoje citozino išsukimas ir katalitinės kilpos užsidarymas vyksta sinchroniškai, o kovalentinė citozino aktyvacija ir metilgrupės pernešimas yra kinetiškai netapačios katalitinio ciklo stadijos. Kadangi naujasis metodas remiasi fundamentine nukleorūgščių savybe – hiperchrominiu efektu, todėl jis gali būti naudojamas ir kitų DNR bazę išsukančių baltymų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / DNA cytosine-5 methyltransferases (MTases) recognize short DNA sequences and catalyze the transfer of the methyl group from the cofactor AdoMet to the C5-position of a target cytosine. In this work both these aspects of the MTase mechanism have been addressed. First, using rational protein design and directed evolution approaches the specificity of the HhaI MTase, GCGC, has been changed to GCG by functional elimination of one of the two target recognition elements. In addition, the introduced structural changes endowed the MTase with the ability to transfer extended groups from synthetic cofactor analogs, providing the first example of a dual specificity change in a DNA MTase. Second, the kinetics of fast pre-catalytic conformational transitions in the MTase and DNA has been investigated. A new method to follow the target cytosine flipping and its subsequent covalent activation has been proposed, which allows a direct real-time observation of these processes by monitoring associated UV absorbance changes in a chemically unperturbed DNA. These studies for the first time demonstrate that the flipping of the target cytosine and the closure of the catalytic loop in the enzyme occur simultaneously, whereas the covalent activation of the target cytosine and the transfer of the methyl group are temporally distinct steps in the catalytic cycle of M.HhaI. Since the new method is based on the general phenomenon of hyperchromicity, it is thus applicable for studies of other systems... [to full text]

It is well established that epigenetic modifications to the genome are crucial for the exquisite control of gene expression required for an organism to develop and differentiate. These modifications are maintained through mitotic rounds of cell division, but must be cleared and reset through meiosis in order for the cells of the early embryo to achieve totipotency. Although we know these mechanisms exist, the rules determining which modifications are established where on the genome and the genes involved in these processes remain poorly characterised. Much of what is known about epigenetic processes has come from studies in non-mammalian organisms, such as Drosophila. However, in our laboratory we have developed a mammalian system for identifying modifiers of epigenetic gene silencing. An ENU mutagenesis screen is being carried out using an inbred mouse line carrying a GFP transgene, with an erythroid-specific promoter, that is particularly sensitive to changes in epigenetic modifications. Currently, 14 mutant lines that display a heritable shift in GFP expression have been recovered. These have been termed Modifiers of Murine Metastable Epialleles (Mommes). When I began my PhD in 2005, we had not identified any of the mutations underlying the phenotypes observed. To confirm the efficacy of the screen, I have tested the effect of heterozygosity for null alleles of two known epigenetic modifiers, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, on expression of the GFP transgene. Heterozygosity for the Dnmt3b knockout allele does shift expression while heterozygosity for the Dnmt3a knockout allele does not. This highlights the limitations of the screen. With this particular screen we will only detect modifiers that are expressed during haematopoiesis in the bone marrow. I have also worked on MommeD5. MommeD5 is a semi-dominant, homozygous embryonic lethal mutation that acts as an enhancer of variegation. I have found that the MommeD5 allele carries a 7 bp deletion in the major histone deacetylase, Histone deacetylase 1 (Hdac1), and this significantly alters the C-terminus of the mutant protein. The finding of Hdac1 attests to the screen design. The MommeD5 homozygous mutants die at approximately the same time as the published knockout of Hdac1 and the heterozygous mutants show increased levels of Hdac2 and acetylated histone H3, as reported in Hdac1-deficient embryonic stem cells. In addition, I have studied the effect of heterozygosity for each of the mutations on the phenotype of the mouse. In general, heterozygous Momme mutants are viable and fertile, but show subtle abnormal phenotypes. However, in the case of MommeD5 none were observed and this may relate to the compensatory upregulation of other histone deacetylases. In the case of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b a sex ratio distortion is seen in the colonies, with less males seen than expected. Also, Dnmt3a heterozygous mutant males that inherited the mutant allele from the dam are smaller and show an increased range of body weights compared to their wild-type male littermates. This may be an example of intangible variation, i.e. phenotypic variation observed in isogenic individuals raised in standardised environments. These results suggest that epigenetic mechanisms have a role in intangible variation, also known as developmental noise. Despite the fact that it is now acknowledged by many that stochastic events occur at the level of the cell, the idea that it can happen at the level of the whole organism is rarely considered.

Ao longo dos últimos anos observou-se um aumento no número de idosos no mundo, com isso faz-se necessário buscar terapias que amenizem os danos relacionados e também elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo. O exercício físico tem sido sugerido como uma ferramenta importante, não farmacológica, para atenuar os déficits relacionados à idade. Ainda, estudos recentes sugerem uma relação entre o processo de envelhecimento cerebral e o desequilíbrio de mecanismos epigenéticos, contudo, estes dados ainda não são conclusivos. Sabe-se que o grau de neuroplasticidade varia com a idade e que as estruturas encefálicas podem responder diferentemente à exposição ao exercício. Estudos demonstram que o córtex pré-frontal está envolvido em funções de alta ordem como atenção, tomada de decisão e memória de trabalho. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes protocolos de exercício físico (sessão única e exercício diário moderado) sobre a modulação de marcadores epigenéticos em córtex pré-frontal de ratos Wistar de 3 e 21 meses de idade. Os animais foram submetidos ao protocolo de sessão única (20 minutos) ou o exercício diário moderado (20 minutos durante 14 dias), 1 hora após a última sessão foram eutanasiados. O córtex pré-frontal foi dissecado e a acetilação da H4, o conteúdo da DNA metiltransferase (DNMT1 e DNMT3b), assim como a atividade da histona metiltransferase H3K27 foram analisadas. Os resultados serão apresentados na versão completa desta dissertação. / Over the past few years the number of elderly people has increased in the world, therefore it is necessary to search therapies that ameliorate age-related deficits as well as elucidate the mechanisms involved in this process. Physical exercise has been suggested as an important non-pharmacological approach to alleviate the age-related decline. Furthermore, recent studies have suggested a relationship between the process of brain aging and imbalance of epigenetic mechanisms, however, these data are not conclusive. It is well described that prefrontal cortex is involved in higher functions like attention, decision making and working memory. Then, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two exercise protocols (single session and daily moderate exercise) on the modulation of epigenetic markers in the prefrontal cortex from Wistar rats of 3- and 21- months-old. Animals were submitted to single session protocol (20 minutes) or the daily moderate exercise (20 minutes for 14 days), and 1hour after the last exercise session animals were euthanized. Prefrontal cortex was dissected out and acetylation of H4, the content of DNA methyl transferase (DNMT1 and DNMT3B), as well as histone methyltransferase H3K27 activity were analyzed. Results will be presented in the full version.

Ao longo dos últimos anos observou-se um aumento no número de idosos no mundo, com isso faz-se necessário buscar terapias que amenizem os danos relacionados e também elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo. O exercício físico tem sido sugerido como uma ferramenta importante, não farmacológica, para atenuar os déficits relacionados à idade. Ainda, estudos recentes sugerem uma relação entre o processo de envelhecimento cerebral e o desequilíbrio de mecanismos epigenéticos, contudo, estes dados ainda não são conclusivos. Sabe-se que o grau de neuroplasticidade varia com a idade e que as estruturas encefálicas podem responder diferentemente à exposição ao exercício. Estudos demonstram que o córtex pré-frontal está envolvido em funções de alta ordem como atenção, tomada de decisão e memória de trabalho. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes protocolos de exercício físico (sessão única e exercício diário moderado) sobre a modulação de marcadores epigenéticos em córtex pré-frontal de ratos Wistar de 3 e 21 meses de idade. Os animais foram submetidos ao protocolo de sessão única (20 minutos) ou o exercício diário moderado (20 minutos durante 14 dias), 1 hora após a última sessão foram eutanasiados. O córtex pré-frontal foi dissecado e a acetilação da H4, o conteúdo da DNA metiltransferase (DNMT1 e DNMT3b), assim como a atividade da histona metiltransferase H3K27 foram analisadas. Os resultados serão apresentados na versão completa desta dissertação. / Over the past few years the number of elderly people has increased in the world, therefore it is necessary to search therapies that ameliorate age-related deficits as well as elucidate the mechanisms involved in this process. Physical exercise has been suggested as an important non-pharmacological approach to alleviate the age-related decline. Furthermore, recent studies have suggested a relationship between the process of brain aging and imbalance of epigenetic mechanisms, however, these data are not conclusive. It is well described that prefrontal cortex is involved in higher functions like attention, decision making and working memory. Then, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two exercise protocols (single session and daily moderate exercise) on the modulation of epigenetic markers in the prefrontal cortex from Wistar rats of 3- and 21- months-old. Animals were submitted to single session protocol (20 minutes) or the daily moderate exercise (20 minutes for 14 days), and 1hour after the last exercise session animals were euthanized. Prefrontal cortex was dissected out and acetylation of H4, the content of DNA methyl transferase (DNMT1 and DNMT3B), as well as histone methyltransferase H3K27 activity were analyzed. Results will be presented in the full version.

No description available.

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most potential and successful human pathogen which colonizes atleast 50% of world population. One of the important characteristics of this pathogen is the degree of allelic diversity and genetic variability which helps it to adapt and colonize. Phase variation is one of the mechanisms used by Helicobacter pylori to generate variation, where presence of homopolymeric nucleotide or dinucleotide repeats in an ORF make it prone to frequent length changes as a consequence of slipped strand mispairing mediated mutagenesis. An important feature of H. pylori biology is the presence of a large number of Restriction-Modification (R-M) systems in its genome. Till date, seven strains have been completely sequenced and each have more than 20 R-M systems. The presence of homopolymeric nucleotide or dinucleotide repeats in many of R-M systems make them an interesting subject for investigation. Here, we show that hp0051 which codes for a C5 cytosine methyltransferase from H. pylori is a hypermutable gene, which undergoes random mutations. In addition it exhibits phase variation due to presence of a dinucleotide (AG) repeat which results in a truncated protein. hp0051 homologs were amplified and sequenced from different clinical isolates of H. pylori. Sequence analysis showed that hp0051 homologs from 23 clinical isolates are different from each other suggesting a hypervariable nature of the sequence. It was observed that when over expressed in E. coli hp0051 undergoes random mutations. These mutations give rise to different variants of HP0051 with different biochemical properties. Different variants of HP0051 were biochemically characterized. All variants recognize 5´-CCTC-3´ and methylate the first cytosine. A few of the isoforms exhibit degeneracy in the recognition site as they recognize 5´- CNCC-3´ (N being any nucleotide) and methylates third cytosine. Molecular modelling studies suggest that HP0051 has two domains, one large domain having catalytic and AdoMet binding motifs and small domain having target recognition domain. DNA sequencing, peptide finger mapping, MALDI MS-MS and CD have been used to establish the differences between the different isoforms of HP0051. Interestingly when a mutant protein which lacks methylation activity was expressed in E.coli random mutations were not observed. To understand the role of methylation in the occurrence of random mutations, microarray analysis was done. Microarray analysis have shown that the overexpression of HP0051 results in the down regulation of deoxyadenine methyltransferase (dam) in E.coli. Microarray data were further authenticated by RT PCR analysis. dam plays a vital role in mismatch repair pathway and down regulation of dam results in enhanced mutation rates. A large number of clinical isolates were analysed for the presence of hp0051 and hp0051 was found to be present in 83% of strains obtained from patients compared to 25 % of strains from healthy volunteers. Single colonies obtained from the same patient were analysed and it was found that variation in hp0051 exists within a patient also. Deletion of an orphan C5 cytosine methyltransferase, hp0051 in H. pylori strains 26695, SS1 and 98.4 has a significant effect on the expression of number of genes belonging to motility, adhesion and virulence. 98.4∆hp0051 mutant strain has a different LPS profile and is able to induce high IL-8 production compared to wild-type. H. pylori strain 26695∆hp0051 is more motile than the wild- type. hp0051 from strain 26695 is able to complement mutant SS1 and 98.4 strains. This study highlights the possible significance of cytosine methylation in the physiology of H. pylori. hp0050 is a N6 DNA adenine methyltransferase which overlaps with the hp0051 ORF .hp0050 was cloned, over expressed and purified to near homogeneity. It recognizes the sequence 5´GRRG 3´ (where R is A or G) and most intriguingly methylates both adenines when R is A (5´GAAG 3´). Kinetic analysis suggest a non processive (repeated hit) mechanism of methylation in which HP0050 methyltransferase methylates one adenine at a time in sequence 5´GAAG 3´. Interestingly, HP0050 homologs from two clinical strains PG227 and 128 methylate only 5´GAGG 3´ compared to 5´GRRG 3´ in strain 26695. HP0050 MTase is highly conserved as it is present in more than 90% of strains. Inactivation of hp0050 in strain PG227 resulted in poor growth suggesting its important role in the physiology of Helicobacter pylori. Collectively, these findings provide impetus for exploring the role(s) of this conserved DNA methyltransferase in the cellular processes of Helicobacter pylori. In one of the clinical isolate it was found that hp0051 and hp0050 can code for a single polypeptide due to an insertion mutation. This mutant ( hp0050 and hp0051 fusion ) was cloned, overexpressed and purified. It was found that fusion protein is able to methylate both adenine and cytosine in the cognate sequence. Similarly, hp1369 - hp1370 is a phase variable type III MTase and it belongs to ɛ group of MTases based on the arrangement of motifs. It has a poly G repeat in its ORF and any change in the number of repeats can result in a functional (full length) or non functional (truncated) protein. Within strain 26695, it has 10 G repeat which results in a truncated protein. Addition of a single nucleotide by site directed mutagenesis in the repeat results in a full length functional protein. HP1369_HP1370 fusion protein recognizes and methylates 5´ TCAGC 3´. DNA methyltransferases are known to play a critical role in gene regulation, cell cycle regulation and pathogenesity in a number of pathogens. H. pylori genome is rich in DNA methyltransferases and this study shows that these methyltransferases exhibit unique features like phase - variation and polymorphism .We propose that high degree of variation that exists in these methyltransferases could play a vital role in enhancing the ability of H. pylori to adapt its host.

Die WHO-Klassifikation der Hirntumoren von 2016 ebnete den Weg für molekulare Marker und Therapie-Angriffspunkte. Der Transkriptionsfaktor ATF5 könnte ein solcher sein. Er unterdrückt die Differenzierung von neuronalen Vorläuferzellen und wird in Glioblastomen (GBM) überexprimiert. Daten zur ATF5-Expression in WHO Grad II Gliomen (LGG) und GBM-Rezidiven sind nur spärlich vorhanden. Daher untersuchten wir 79 GBM, 40 LGG und 10 Normalhirnproben auf ihre ATF5-mRNA- und Proteinexpression mit quantitativer Echtzeit-PCR bzw. Immunhistochemie und verglichen sie mit multiplen, retrospektiv erhobenen klinischen Charakteristika der Patienten. ATF5 war in LGG und GBM verglichen zum Normalhirn sowohl auf mRNA-, als auch Proteinebene überexprimiert. Obwohl die ATF5-mRNA-Expression im GBM eine erhebliche Fluktuationsrate zeigte, gab es keine signifikanten Expressionsunterschiede zwischen GBM-Gruppen unterschiedlicher biologischer Wachstumsmuster. ATF5-mRNA korrelierte mit dem Alter der Patienten und invers mit der Ki67-Färbung. Kaplan Meier- und Cox-Regressionsanalysen zeigten eine signifikante Korrelation der ATF5-mRNA-Expression mit dem Überleben nach 12 Monaten sowie dem progressionsfreien Überleben. Die Methylierung des Promotors der O6-Methylguanin-DNA-Methyltransferase (MGMT) ist ein etablierter Marker in der Therapie des GBMs. Sie ist mit dem therapeutischen Ansprechen auf Temozolomid und dem Überleben assoziiert. Uns fielen inzidentell Veränderungen der MGMT-Promotormethylierung auf, woraufhin wir den aktuellen Wissensstand mittels einer ausführlichen Literatur-Metaanalyse zusammenfassten. Dabei fanden wir Veränderungen der MGMT-Promotormethylierung bei 115 der 476 Patienten. Wir schlussfolgern, dass die ATF5-mRNA-Expression als prognostischer Faktor für das Überleben der Patienten dienen könnte. Da seine in vitro-Inhibition zu einem selektiven Zelltod von Gliomzellen führte und wir eine Überexpression in glialen Tumoren nachweisen konnten, zeigt ATF5 Potential als ubiquitäres Therapieziel in Gliomen. Zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt ergibt sich keine klare Indikation, den klinischen Standard der MGMT-Teststrategie zu verändern. Trotzdem könnte eine erneute Testung der MGMT-Promotormethylierung für zukünftige Therapieentscheidungen sinnvoll sein und wir regen an, dass dieses Thema in klinischen Studien weiter untersucht wird. / The 2016 WHO classification for brain tumors signaled a major paradigm shift and paves the way for molecular markers and molecular targets. One such target could be the transcription factor ATF5. It suppresses differentiation of neuroprogenitor cells and is overexpressed in glioblastoma (GBM). Data on ATF5 expression in glioma of WHO grade II (LGG) are scarce and lacking on recurrent GBM. Therefore, we examined 79 GBM, 40 LGG and 10 normal brain (NB) specimens for their ATF5-mRNA and protein expression by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, and compared it to multiple retrospectively obtained clinical characteristics of the patients. ATF5-mRNA was overexpressed in LGG and GBM compared to NB on mRNA and protein level. Although ATF5-mRNA expression in GBM showed a considerable fluctuation range, GBM groups of varying biological behavior were not significantly different. ATF5-mRNA correlated with the patients' age and inversely with Ki67-staining. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression indicated that ATF5-mRNA expression was significantly associated with survival after 12 months and progression-free survival. Methylation of the O6-Methylguanin DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter is a well-established strong prognostic factor in the therapy of GBM. It is associated with an improved response to chemotherapy with temozolomide and longer overall survival. We made the incidental finding of patients with changing MGMT promoter methylation during the clinical course, which prompted us to further investigate this topic. Indeed, a meta-analysis of the literature revealed changes in MGMT promoter methylation in 115 of 476 patients. To conclude, ATF5-mRNA expression could be identified as an additional, though not independent factor correlating with patients‘ survival. Since its inhibition might lead to the selective death of glioma cells, it might serve as a potential ubiquitous therapeutic target in astrocytic tumors. Clinical implications of the observed changes in MGMT promoter methylation are still ambiguous and do not yet support a change in clinical practice. However, retesting MGMT methylation might be useful for future treatment decisions and we encourage clinical studies to address this topic.

No description available.

La lysyl oxydase-like 1 (LOXL1) est une enzyme nécessaire à la maturation des fibres élastiques dans matrice extra-cellulaire lors des processus de réparation tissulaire à l'âge adulte. Chez l'Homme, le niveau d'expression de LOXL1 dans les fibroblastes dermiques diminue avec l'âge contribuant ainsi au relâchement cutané. Dans la pathologie génétique cutis laxa, pouvant être considérée comme un modèle de vieillissement accéléré, le promoteur du gène loxl1 est la cible de méthylation au niveau de sites riches en cytosines et guanosines, appelés îlots CpG, ce qui empêche l'initiation de la transcription. Dans ce travail de thèse, d'une part, nous avons voulu savoir si le déficit en fibres élastiques au cours du vieillissement du derme humain pouvait être la conséquence de l'hyperméthylation de loxl1 ; et d'autre part, nous avons recherché des actifs végétaux capables de contrer ce mécanisme. Pour cela, nous avons testé des modèles de vieillissement in vitro afin de corréler la perte en fibres élastiques et l'hyperméthylation de loxl1. Une méthode d'analyse de la méthylation nous a permis de déceler l'hyperméthylation spécifique de loxl1 au cours du vieillissement chronologique. Des analyses transcriptomiques en PCR en temps réel, des expériences de précipitation de la chromatine ainsi que des analyses d'activités de promoteurs ont permis de mettre en évidence l'importance de l'ADN méthyltransférase 3a (DNMT3a) dans la régulation du promoteur loxl1. Cette enzyme a été clonée en système eucaryote et deux nouveaux partenaires ont été identifiés: la protein arginin methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) et la methylosome protein 50 (MEP50). Enfin, ce mécanisme de régulation a été testé lors d'un criblage d'actifs végétaux à des fins cosmétiques. Nous avons trouvé deux actifs ayant la capacité de contrer de façon directe ou indirecte l'activité de la DNMT3a et de supprimer la méthylation de loxl1 dans des fibroblastes âgés / Lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) is an enzyme required for the maturation of elastic fibres in the extracellular matrix during tissue repair process at adulthood. In human dermal fibroblasts, LOXL1 expression decreases with age, thus contributing to sagging skin. In the genetic disease cutis laxa, which can be regarded as a model of accelerated ageing, the loxl1 gene promoter has been shown to undergo DNA methylations in a cytosine-guanine rich region, known as CpG Island, which prevented the initiation of transcription. In this thesis, firstly, we wanted to know whether the deficit in elastic fibres in the dermis of human during ageing could be the result of loxl1 hypermethylation; and secondly, we sought plant extracts capable of counteracting this mechanism. Different in vitro ageing models were assessed to correlate the loss of elastic fibres and hypermethylation of loxl1. A particular methylation analysis method allowed us to identify specific hypermethylation of loxl1 during chronological ageing. Transcriptomic analyses by real-time PCR, precipitation of chromatin experiments and analysis of promoter activity led to highlight the importance of DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) in the regulation of loxl1 promoter. This enzyme has been cloned in an eukaryotic system and two new partners have been identified: protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) and methylosome protein 50 (MEP50). Finally, this regulatory mechanism has been tested as a screening tool for cosmetic purposes. We selected two plant extracts with the ability to counteract, directly or indirectly, the activity of DNMT3a and remove methylation from loxl1 promoter in aged fibroblasts