Fig. 2
From: Genetic impacts on DNA methylation: research findings and future perspectives
Mechanisms underlying cis-meQTL effects. a Passive mechanism. Under normal conditions a sequence-specific binding protein (such as CTCF) can bind to its target and prevent methylation changes at surrounding CpG sites due to its occupancy. If a meQTL disrupts the site, the protein cannot bind successfully, and the CpG sites are prone to change in baseline methylation status. b Active mechanism. If a meQTL is located in a TFBS, lack of TF binding can promote the recruitment of DNMT or TET enzymes, and thus modify the methylation status of nearby CpG sites