Development of DNA recognition proteins for detection of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and demethylation process

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K05572
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Bio-related chemistry
• Research Institution: Doshisha University
• Principal Investigator: Nomura Akiko 同志社大学, 研究開発推進機構, 嘱託研究員 (40443006)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: DNA / 蛋白質 / ペプチド

Outline of Final Research Achievements

DNA methylation is involved in the regulation of many epigenetic processes, including embryonic development, cellular differentiation, the etiopathogenesis of tumorigenesis and aging. Demethylation of DNA contributes to cellular reprogramming. Many achievements involving DNA methylation mechanisms have been reported, while, the mechanisms of DNA demethylation is not completely clarified. 5-Hydroxymethylcitosine (5hmC) is regarded as one of the most important intermediates in demethylation processes, however, detection of 5hmC is quite difficult because of its very low abundance.
In this study, an artificial protein/peptide has been developed that bind preferentially to a 5hmC, and interaction between hydroxymethylated DNAs and the protein/peptide was investigated.

Free Research Field

生体関連化学