Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
07:50

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Published on: September 18, 2020

5.5K

Cell-Free DNA Hydroxymethylation in Cancer: Current and Emerging Detection Methods and Clinical Applications

Janice J N Li1, Geoffrey Liu1,2,3, Benjamin H Lok1,2,4

  • 1Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, 101 College Street, Room 9-309, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.

Genes
|September 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Cell-free 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) shows promise as a cancer biomarker. This review covers techniques and applications of DNA hydroxymethylation in precision oncology, focusing on cell-free DNA (cfDNA).

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Precision oncology relies on identifying genetic and epigenetic alterations for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  • 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a key epigenetic modification involved in gene regulation and DNA demethylation.
  • 5hmC patterns are tissue- and cancer-specific, making them valuable for study.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current and emerging techniques for detecting DNA hydroxymethylation.
  • To explore the applications of DNA hydroxymethylation in cancer research.
  • To highlight the potential of cell-free 5hmC as a non-invasive cancer biomarker.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent advancements in 5hmC detection methodologies.
  • Analysis of studies investigating DNA hydroxymethylation in various cancers.
  • Exploration of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis techniques.

Main Results:

  • 5hmC is generated by ten-eleven translocase (TET) enzymes through oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC).
  • Advancements in detection methods enable sensitive and specific 5hmC analysis.
  • 5hmC has been detected in cell-free DNA (cfDNA), indicating its potential as a biomarker.

Conclusions:

  • DNA hydroxymethylation, particularly cfDNA 5hmC, holds significant potential for cancer diagnostics and monitoring.
  • Further research into 5hmC detection and its clinical applications is warranted.
  • This epigenetic marker is crucial for advancing precision oncology.
Keywords:
5-hydroxymethylcytosineDNA hydroxymethylationcancer biomarkercell-free DNAepigeneticsliquid biopsy

More Related Videos

High Sensitivity 5-hydroxymethylcytosine Detection in Balb/C Brain Tissue07:19

High Sensitivity 5-hydroxymethylcytosine Detection in Balb/C Brain Tissue

Published on: February 1, 2011

15.0K
Methyl-binding DNA capture Sequencing for Patient Tissues08:40

Methyl-binding DNA capture Sequencing for Patient Tissues

Published on: October 31, 2016

8.6K

Related Concept Videos

Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
3.0K