The emerging nexus of active DNA demethylation and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in post-mitotic neurons.

ABSTRACT: The variable patterns of DNA methylation in mammals have been linked to a number of physiological processes, including normal embryonic development and disease pathogenesis. Active removal of DNA methylation, which potentially regulates neuronal gene expression both globally and gene specifically, has been recently implicated in neuronal plasticity, learning and memory processes. Model pathways of active DNA demethylation involve ten-eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenases that are dependent on oxidative metabolites. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidizing agents generate oxidative modifications of DNA bases that can be removed by base excision repair proteins. These potentially link the two processes of active DNA demethylation and mitochondrial oxidative m

SUBMITTER: Meng H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4284726 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature