Dnmt3a Inhibitors

Dnmt3a Inhibitors target and modulate the activity of Dnmt3a, or DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 3A. Dnmt3a is a critical enzyme involved in the epigenetic modification of DNA through the process of DNA methylation. Structurally, Dnmt3a is a member of the DNA methyltransferase family, possessing catalytic domains that enable it to transfer methyl groups to cytosine residues in DNA. This epigenetic modification involves the addition of a methyl group to the cytosine base, predominantly at CpG dinucleotides, and plays a fundamental role in gene regulation, genomic stability, and cellular differentiation. The functions of Dnmt3a are integral to epigenetic regulation and cellular identity. Dnmt3a, along with its counterpart Dnmt3b, is primarily responsible for de novo DNA methylation, meaning it establishes DNA methylation patterns during development and in response to environmental cues. This process of DNA methylation can result in the silencing of genes, impacting various cellular processes such as cell differentiation and development. Dnmt3a Inhibitors are typically designed as small molecules or compounds engineered to interfere with the catalytic activity of Dnmt3a, disrupting its ability to add methyl groups to DNA.