The epigenome is crucial for gene regulation, influencing a wide range of cellular functions. DNA methylation, a key epigenetic modification, is conserved across species and throughout the kingdoms of life. DNA methylation is a prime example of an epigenetic trait, since it can be modulated by the environment and be stably inherited by daughter cells. These features underscore the relevance of understanding the consequences of DNA methylation changes on gene regulation and biological processes.

Previous studies have demonstrated that transcription factors (TFs) exhibit variable binding preferences for methylated sites, with 5mC either enhancing or reducing a TF's affinity for its binding site. This groundbreaking work provided the foundation for considering TFs as readers of DNA methylation. This project will aim to define what is the in vivo sensitivity of TFs to the presence of 5mC at their binding sites.