Understanding the functional interplay between DNA demethylation and transcription (561.1)

Abstract

Dynamic regulation and faithful maintenance of proper DNA methylation patterns are essential for many cellular functions. 5‐Hydroxylmethylcytosine (5hmC), 5‐formylcytosine (5fC) and 5‐carboxylcytosine, newly discovered oxidized forms of 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) are involved in active DNA demethylation process. The roles of these oxidized species of 5mC in epigenetic and transcription regulation have been an area of intensive study recently. Here we report a systematic study of the effects of five different forms of cytosine in DNA on mammalian and yeast RNA polymerase II transcription elongation, providing new insights into potential functional interplay between cytosine methylation status and transcription. In addition, we will discuss our recent effort in developing new chemical tools that target the formylcytosine sites and modulate 5fC‐related biological processes.Grant Funding Source: NIH GM085136, NIH GM102362