Differential methylation of HMG proteins by dexamethasone in the liver of aging rats.

In vitro methylation of HMG proteins was studied in young and old rats by incubating liver slices with (methyl-14C)methionine. The level of methylation of all the four HMG proteins was relatively higher in young, as compared to old rats. Dexamethasone stimulated the methylation of HMG 2 to 12-fold, and inhibited that of other HMGs in young rats. On the other hand, it stimulated all major HMG proteins except HMG 2, which remains unchanged in old age. Such differential methylation of HMG proteins induced by dexamethasone affects the structure and function of chromatin during aging.