CpG islands and genes

Of the estimated 45 000 CpG islands in the human genome, the overwhelming majority are found at the 5′ ends of genes and their identification and cloning are proving very useful for finding and isolating genes. Recent work has shed light on the chromosomal distribution and origin of CpG islands. It has been shown unequivocally that CpG islands are concentrated in the R band chromosomal regions and that intact transcription factor binding sites are required for their maintenance. Cases of methylation of CpG islands and inactivation of the associated genes have been reported which may be important in ageing, tumorigenesis and imprinting.