Anti-5-formylcytosine (5-fC) antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

5-formylcytosine (5-fC) also known as 5fC is a modified nucleotide that contributes to the regulation of DNA modifications and gene expression. This compound is formed through the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) by the TET family of enzymes. With a molecular mass of approximately 139.11 g/mol 5-formylcytosine presents itself within the genomic DNA across various tissue types. It is most notably expressed in the DNA of mammalian cells playing an essential role in the active demethylation process.

Biological function summary

5-formylcytosine acts as an intermediary in the DNA demethylation pathway. It serves as an epigenetic mark that influences gene regulation. Although not part of a stable complex 5fC works in coordination with other cytosine modifications like 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) contributing to the dynamic landscape of epigenetic modifications. This dynamic regulation is important for normal cellular differentiation and development.

Pathways

5-formylcytosine integrates into the epigenetic reprogramming pathway and plays a vital role in the DNA repair mechanisms. It is an important intermediary in the TET enzyme-mediated oxidation pathway alongside 5-hydroxymethylcytosine which precedes it and 5-carboxylcytosine which follows it. Through these pathways the modifications induced by 5fC contribute to the restoration of unmethylated cytosine facilitating the regulation of developmental genes and response to environmental changes.

Associated diseases and disorders

Abnormalities associated with 5-formylcytosine have been linked to cancer and neurological disorders. The dysregulation of 5fC levels often tied to aberrant TET enzyme activity can lead to malignant transformations as incorrect demethylation patterns can activate oncogenes. In neurological contexts mutations that affect pathways involving 5-formylcytosine can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. The connections between 5-formylcytosine and associated proteins such as ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET) unravel potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.