Advances in Detection of Epigenetic Modification-5-Hydroxymethylcytosine

Epigenetic inheritance is a heritable change in gene function independent of alterations in nucleotide sequence. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), which is called the sixth base, is an epigenetic modification discovered after 5-methylcytosine (5mC). 5hmC is widely distributed in mammalian tissues and cells, and its abnormality is closely related to tumorigenesis, developmental diseases, and nervous system diseases. Because the structure of 5hmC is similar to that of 5mC and its abundance is much lower than that of 5mC, it is much difficult to accurately detect 5hmC by using the traditional methods. Recently, scientists have developed a series of new methods for the detection of 5hmC, including liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, fluorescent method, electrochemical method, photoelectrochemical method, single base-resolution sequencing, and single-molecule detection technology. These emerging technologies have their own unique advantages and greatly promote the advance of epigenetic research. The recent advance in the detection of 5hmC is reviewed in this paper, and the challenge and trends of this area is highlighted as well.

Automated summary

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a recently discovered epigenetic modification that is closely related to tumorigenesis, developmental diseases, and nervous system diseases. Newly developed detection methods have facilitated the accurate detection of 5hmC and advanced research in epigenetics.