Age-related methylation changes in DNA may reflect the proliferative potential of organs.
The percentage of 5-methylcytosine in DNA was measured in brain, liver, heart and skeletal muscle of the rat at various ages. Age-related hypomethylation occurred rapidly shortly after birth and then declined to eventually stabilize in brain, heart and skeletal muscle. Hypomethylation in liver DNA continued throughout the period studied (6 months). Our hypothesis that the age-related decline of 5-methylcytosine content in DNA is related to the proliferative potential of organs is discussed.
Hoal-van Helden
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EG
Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.
van Helden
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PD
D044503:5-Methylcytosine; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development; D002455:Cell Division; D003596:Cytosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis; D004247:DNA / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006321:Heart / Q000254:growth & development; D008099:Liver / Q000254:growth & development; D024510:Muscle Development; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012016:Reference Values
D044503:5-Methylcytosine; D003596:Cytosine; D004247:DNA