Selective Functionalisation of 5-Methylcytosine by Organic Photoredox Catalysis.

ABSTRACT: The epigenetic modification 5-methylcytosine plays a vital role in development, cell specific gene expression and disease states. The selective chemical modification of the 5-methylcytosine methyl group is challenging. Currently, no such chemistry exists. Direct functionalisation of 5-methylcytosine would improve the detection and study of this epigenetic feature. We report a xanthone-photosensitised process that introduces a 4-pyridine modification at a C(sp³ )-H bond in the methyl group of 5-methylcytosine. We propose a reaction mechanism for this type of reaction based on density functional calculations and apply transition state analysis to rationalise differences in observed reaction efficiencies between cyanopyridine derivatives. The reaction is initiated by single electro

SUBMITTER: Simpson MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10952617 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature