DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in stem cells

• Authors: Ying Cheng, Emory University; Nina Xie, Emory University; Peng Jin, Emory University; Tao Wang, University of California, San Francisco
• Journal Title: Cell Biochemistry and Function
• Volume: Volume 33, Number 4
• Publisher: Wiley | 2015-06-01, Pages 161-173
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1002/cbf.3101
• Subjects: Chemistry, Biochemistry; Biology, Cell; Biology, Genetics
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Cell Biology; epigenetics; hydroxymethylation; methylation; stem cells; adult stem cells; CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM; PRIMORDIAL GERM-CELLS; SUBVENTRICULAR ZONE ASTROCYTES; 10-11 TRANSLOCATION TET; ADULT MAMMALIAN BRAIN; HEMATOPOIETIC STEM; SELF-RENEWAL; EPIGENETIC REGULATION; GENE-EXPRESSION; 5-METHYLCYTOSINE OXIDATION

Abstract

In mammals, DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation are specific epigenetic mechanisms that can contribute to the regulation of gene expression and cellular functions. DNA methylation is important for the function of embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells (such as haematopoietic stem cells, neural stem cells and germline stem cells), and changes in DNA methylation patterns are essential for successful nuclear reprogramming. In the past several years, the rediscovery of hydroxymethylation and the TET enzymes expanded our insights tremendously and uncovered more dynamic aspects of cytosine methylation regulation. Here, we review the current knowledge and highlight the most recent advances in DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and several well-studied adult stems cells. Our current understanding of stem cell epigenetics and new advances in the field will undoubtedly stimulate further clinical applications of regenerative medicine in the future.