Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 5.4.0)
Enables several functions, including DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase activity; nucleic acid binding activity; and zinc ion binding activity. Involved in DNA methylation-dependent heterochromatin formation and negative regulation of gene expression via chromosomal DNA cytosine methylation. Acts upstream of or within with a positive effect on DNA methylation involved in embryo development. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including DNA methylation on cytosine; cellular response to bisphenol A; and negative regulation of macromolecule metabolic process. Located in female germ cell nucleus; pericentric heterochromatin; and replication fork. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; early conceptus; genitourinary system; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Graves' disease; autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia, deafness and narcolepsy; hereditary sensory neuropathy; hereditary sensory neuropathy type 1E; and lung non-small cell carcinoma. Orthologous to human DNMT1 (DNA methyltransferase 1).