5-羟甲基胞嘧啶在脑发育和神经系统疾病中的作用

大脑的发育和神经系统疾病的发生发展是极其复杂的过程,涉及多种因素.大量研究证实,表观遗传调控系统,如组蛋白甲基化、组蛋白乙酰化和DNA甲基化,是其中一类重要的调控因素.近年来研究发现,DNA去甲基化中间产物5-羟甲基胞嘧啶(5hm C)是一种新的表观遗传标记形式,且在神经元内呈现非常高的水平.这暗示5hm C可能在脑的生长发育以及中枢神经系统疾病的发生发展过程中有着重要的调控作用.本文综述了近年来该领域的重要研究进展,并且提出一些今后的研究展望.

The Role of 5hmC in Neurodevelopment and Neurological Diseases

The development of brain and the pathogenesis of neurological diseases are the complicated process involving complex interplay among many factors. Abundant studies have revealed that epigenetic system, such as methylation/acetylization of histones and methylation of DNA, is one of those important regulatory factors. Recently, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine(5hmC), a new epigenetic marker and potential intermediate of DNA demethylation, was detected in neurons at a high level, which implied a potential role of 5hmC in neurodevelopment and neurological diseases. Here, we reviewed recent advances in this field focusing on 5hmC research and proposed future directions.