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Epigenomics

5-hydroxymethylcytosine stabilizes transcription by preventing aberrant initiation in gene bodies

Nature Genetics volume 55, pages 2–3 (2023)Cite this article

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5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) accumulates in transcribed gene regions (called ‘gene bodies’) and near enhancers, but its biological role has remained mysterious. A new study demonstrates that 5hmC serves to counteract inappropriate, spurious intragenic transcription in airway smooth muscle cells and by doing so, this DNA base functions in the prevention of chronic inflammation in the lung and an asthma-like phenotype.

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Fig. 1: Proposed function of TET proteins in different genome compartments.

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  1. Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA

    Gerd P. Pfeifer

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  1. Gerd P. Pfeifer
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Correspondence to Gerd P. Pfeifer.

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The author declares no competing interests.

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Pfeifer, G.P. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine stabilizes transcription by preventing aberrant initiation in gene bodies. Nat Genet 55, 2–3 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-022-01253-2

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