Cytosine base modifications in mammals underwent a recent expansion with the addition of several naturally occurring further modifications of methylcytosine in the last years. This expansion was accompanied by the identification of the respective enzymes and proteins reading and translating the different modifications into chromatin higher order organization as well as genome activity and stability, leading to the hypothesis of a cytosine code. Here, we summarize the current state-of-the-art on DNA modifications, the enzyme families setting the cytosine modifications and the protein families reading and translating the different modifications with emphasis on the mouse protein homologs. Throughout this review, we focus on functional and mechanistic studies performed on mammalian cells, corresponding mouse models and associated human diseases.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4914596 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2016.00115 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Anticancer benzimidazole derivatives as inhibitors of epigenetic targets: a review article.
RSC Adv
January 2025
Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University 61519 Minia Egypt.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. One of the primary causes of cancer development and progression is epigenetic dysregulation, which is a heritable modification that alters gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Therefore, targeting these epigenetic changes has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLongitudinal DNA methylation profiles in saliva of offspring from mothers with gestational diabetes: associations with early childhood growth patterns.
Cardiovasc Diabetol
January 2025
Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
Background: The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising globally, particularly among children exposed to adverse intrauterine environments, such as those associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methylation, have emerged as mechanisms by which early environmental exposures can predispose offspring to metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate DNA methylation differences in children born to mothers with GDM compared to non-GDM mothers, using saliva samples, and to assess the association of these epigenetic patterns with early growth measurements.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEngineering a DNA polymerase for modifying large RNA at specific positions.
Nat Chem
January 2025
State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
The synthesis of large RNA with precise modifications at specific positions is in high demand for both basic research and therapeutic applications, but efficient methods are limited. Engineered DNA polymerases have recently emerged as attractive tools for RNA labelling, offering distinct advantages over conventional RNA polymerases. Here, through semi-rational designs, we engineered a DNA polymerase variant and used it to precisely incorporate a diverse range of modifications, including base modifications, 2'-ribose modifications and backbone modifications, into desired positions within RNA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEmergence of fungal hybrids - potential threat to humans.
Microb Pathog
January 2025
Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, INDIA. Electronic address:
Fungal hybrids arise through the interbreeding of distinct species. This hybridization process fosters increased genetic diversity and the emergence of new traits. Mechanisms driving hybridization include the loss of heterozygosity, copy number variations, and horizontal gene transfer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFragment-specific Quantification of 5hmC by qPCR via a Combination of Enzymatic Digestion and Deamination: Extreme Specificity, High Sensitivity, and Clinical Applicability.
Anal Chem
January 2025
School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
Accurate identification and quantification of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) can help elucidate its function in gene expression and disease pathogenesis. Current 5hmC analysis methods still present challenges, especially for clinical applications, such as having a risk of false-positive results and a lack of sufficient sensitivity. Herein, a 5hmC quantification method for fragment-specific DNA sequences with extreme specificity, high sensitivity, and clinical applicability was established using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR)-based workflow through the combination of enzymatic digestion and biological deamination strategy (EDD-5hmC assay).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!