title: Epigenetic reprogramming: is deamination key to active DNA demethylation?
abstract: DNA demethylation processes are important for reproduction, being central in epigenetic reprogramming during embryonic and germ cell development. While the enzymes methylating DNA have been known for many years, identification of factors capable of mediating active DNA demethylation has been challenging. Recent findings suggest that cytidine deaminases may be key players in active DNA demethylation. One of the most investigated candidates is activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), best known for its role in generating secondary antibody diversity in B cells. We evaluate evidence for cytidine deaminases in DNA demethylation pathways in vertebrates and discuss possible models for their targeting and activity regulation. These findings are also considered along with alternative demethylation pathways involving hydroxymethylation.
authors.affiliation: Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK. mt446@cam.ac.uk
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Teperek-Tkacz
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pasque
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gentsch
authors.forename: Anne C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ferguson-Smith
mesh_terms: D000071479:APOBEC-1 Deaminase; D000818:Animals; D065150:Cellular Reprogramming / Q000502:physiology*; D003564:Cytidine Deaminase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D003641:Deamination / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D000098830:AICDA (Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase)
chemical_list: D000098830:AICDA (Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase); D000071479:APOBEC-1 Deaminase; C000605089:APOBEC1 protein, human; D003564:Cytidine Deaminase