A Photo‐responsive Small‐Molecule Approach for the Opto‐epigenetic Modulation of DNA Methylation. Issue 20 (12th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Ha Phuong; Stewart, Sabrina; Kukwikila, Mikiembo N.; Jones, Sioned Fôn; Offenbartl‐Stiegert, Daniel; Mao, Shiqing; Balasubramanian, Shankar; Beck, Stephan; Howorka, Stefan
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 58:Issue 20(2019)
• Page Start: 6620
• Page End: 6624
• Publication Date: 2019-04-12
• Subjects: cytosine -- DNA -- epigenetics -- methylation -- photo-caging; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201901139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Controlling the functional dynamics of DNA within living cells is essential in biomedical research. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play a key role in this endeavour. DNA methylation can be controlled by genetic means. Yet there are few chemical tools available for the spatial and temporal modulation of this modification. Herein, we present a small‐molecule approach to modulate DNA methylation with light. The strategy uses a photo‐tuneable version of a clinically used drug (5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine) to alter the catalytic activity of DNA methyltransferases, the enzymes that methylate DNA. After uptake by cells, the photo‐regulated molecule can be light‐controlled to reduce genome‐wide DNA methylation levels in proliferating cells. The chemical tool complements genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological approaches to study the role of DNA methylation in biology and medicine. Abstract : A small‐molecule approach for the modulation of DNA methylation with light is presented. The strategy uses a photo‐tunable version of a clinically used drug (5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine) to alter the catalytic activity of DNA methyltransferases. After uptake by cells, the photo‐regulated molecule can be light‐controlled to reduce genome‐wide DNA methylation levels in proliferating cells.