Patterns of New DNA Letter in Brain Suggest Distinct Function

[n2doc]

ScienceDaily (Oct. 30, 2011) — In 2009, the DNA alphabet expanded. Scientists discovered that an extra letter or "sixth nucleotide" was surprisingly abundant in DNA from stem cells and brain cells.

Now, researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have mapped the patterns formed by that letter in the brains of mice, observing how its pattern of distribution in the genome changes during development and aging.

Those patterns, stable or dynamic depending on the gene, suggest that 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) has its own distinct functions, which still need to be fully brought to light.

"Our data tells us that 5-hmC is not just an intermediate state," says senior author Peng Jin, PhD, associate professor of human genetics at Emory University School of Medicine. "It looks like it has specific functions in stem cells and brain. 5-hmC may poise a gene to be turned on after being repressed."

more
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111030151556.htm

[Ian David]

1. How is it that I did not hear about this discovery that happened two years ago? n/t

[AlecBGreen]

2. my thoughts exactly!

wery inter-esting