A vitamin-C-derived DNA modification catalyzed by an algal TET homologue

Abstract

Sequential oxidation of 5mC by ten-eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases results in a cascade of additional epigenetic marks and promotes demethylation of DNA in mammals. However ,the function of TET homologues still remains much to explore. The scientists found that the green alga,which contains the 5mC-modifying enzyme (CMD1),a kind of TET homologues use l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as an essential co-substrate whereas others usually use 2-oxoglutarate as a co-substrate.and then propose a completely new mechanism of glycerol modification of 5 mC methyl with vitamin C as substrate catalyzed by TET homologous protein CMD1 .