title: Getting rid of DNA methylation.
abstract: Methylation of cytosine within DNA is associated with transcriptional repression and genome surveillance. In plants and animals, conserved pathways exist to establish and maintain this epigenetic mark. Mechanisms underlining its removal are, however, diverse and controversial and can depend on DNA synthesis (passive) or be independent of it (active). Ten-eleven translocation (Tet)-mediated conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) has recently been evoked as a possible mechanism in the initiation of active and passive DNA demethylation. This review discuses the recent progress in this exciting area.
authors.affiliation: Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
authors.forename: Francesco M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Piccolo
authors.affiliation: Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK. Electronic address: amanda.fisher@csc.mrc.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Amanda G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D019175:DNA Methylation; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D004247:DNA