DNMT3A binds ubiquitinated histones to regulate bivalent genes

A new study demonstrates that the disordered N-terminal domain of DNMT3A1 binds PRC1-catalyzed H2AK119ub, targeting DNA methylation to bivalent promoters in mouse brain cortical cells. Methylation around bivalent genes is critical for mouse postnatal development, and could be equally important in other cell types and in disease.