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A key mode of regulating DNA methylation is through active demethylation driven by TET-mediated oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC). This Review discusses our latest understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of active DNA demethylation, and the roles of active demethylation (and the oxidized 5mC intermediates) in gene regulation, genome stability, development and disease.
Recent studies have provided insights into the sources of endogenous replication stress, which can result in DNA damage, checkpoint activation and genome-wide replication fork slowing. The authors review established mechanisms involved in the replication stress response, and propose a new model that reconciles data gained from different cellular models.
Network propagation is based on the principle that genes underlying similar phenotypes are more likely to interact with each other. It is proving to be a powerful approach for extracting biological information from molecular networks that is relevant to human disease.
To unlock the potential of epigenetic variation for crop improvement, it will be crucial to understand how epigenetic variation is established and how it is stably inherited across generations. Springer and Schmitz review these challenges, the different sources of epigenetic variation in plants, and how epigenome profiling and engineering could help to improve crops.
