5-Hydroxycytosine (CAS 13484-95-2)

5-Hydroxycytosine (5-HC) serves as a prominent epigenetic regulator that plays a role in gene expression control and the preservation of cellular identity. Derived from cytosine, a nucleoside found in DNA and RNA, 5-Hydroxycytosine undergoes hydroxylation within the cell through the action of the enzyme TET (Ten-Eleven Translocation), participating in diverse biochemical processes. Focused on unraveling the involvement of 5-Hydroxycytosine as a vital epigenetic regulator, particularly in gene expression and cell identity regulation. It has participated in a wide range of biological mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling. In laboratory experiments, 5-Hydroxycytosine finds utility in DNA sequencing and epigenetic investigations. Notably, 5-Hydroxycytosine, as a hydroxylated derivative of cytosine, is synthesized through TET-mediated conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC). Through binding with the transcription factor CTCF, 5-Hydroxycytosine recruits other transcriptional regulators and chromatin remodeling complexes, thereby stimulating gene transcription and instigating alterations in gene expression and cell identity. 5-Hydroxycytosine plays a role in DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, and is believed to contribute to stem cell differentiation processes.