Burning off DNA methylation: new evidence for oxygen-dependent DNA demethylation

Chembiochem. 2011 Nov 25;12(17):2543-5. doi: 10.1002/cbic.201100549. Epub 2011 Oct 13.

Abstract

Where do you stop? Three recent publications have described how the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine by Tet dioxygenases does not stop at the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) state, rather further oxidation of 5hmC is involved in DNA demethylation. The nature of the enzymes involved in this process shed light on the dynamics of epigenetic signaling and its evolutionary origin.

MeSH terms

  • 5-Methylcytosine / metabolism
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / genetics
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Dioxygenases / genetics
  • Dioxygenases / metabolism
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxygen / metabolism*

Substances

  • 5-Methylcytosine
  • DNA
  • Dioxygenases
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
  • Oxygen