Ascorbate induces ten-eleven translocation (Tet) methylcytosine dioxygenase-mediated generation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine

Abstract

Background: Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase converts 5-mC to 5-hmC in DNA. Results: Ascorbate significantly and specifically enhances Tet-mediated generation of 5-hmC. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that ascorbate enhances 5-hmC generation, most likely by acting as a co-factor for Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase to generate 5-hmC. Significance: The availability of ascorbate could have significant consequences for health and diseases by modulating the epigenetic control of genome activity. Copyright © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.