
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a functionally active epigenetic modification. We analyzed whether changes in DNA 5-hydroxymethylation are an element of age-related epigenetic drift. We tested primary fibroblast cultures originating from individuals aged 22–35 years and 74–94 years. Global quantities of methylation-related DNA modifications were estimated by the dot blot and colorimetric methods. Regions of the genome differentially hydroxymethylated with age (DHMRs) were identified by hMeDIP-seq and the MEDIPS and DiffBind algorithms. Global levels of DNA modifications were not associated with age. We identified numerous DHMRs that were enriched within introns and intergenic regions and most commonly associated with the H3K4me1 histone mark, promoter-flanking regions, and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) binding sites. However, only seven DHMRs were identified by both algorithms and all of their settings. Among them, hypo-hydroxymethylated DHMR in the intron of Rab Escort Protein 1 (CHM) coexisted with increased expression in old cells, while increased 5-hydroxymethylation in the bodies of Arginine and Serine Rich Protein 1 (RSRP1) and Mitochondrial Poly(A) Polymerase (MTPAP) did not change their expression. These age-related differences were not associated with changes in the expression of any of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes or their activity. In conclusion, the distribution of 5hmC in DNA of in vivo aged human fibroblasts underwent age-associated modifications. The identified DHMRs are, likely, marker changes.
dermal fibroblasts, Adult, Male, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), CCCTC-Binding Factor, Article, epigenetic drift, Histones, Mitochondrial Proteins, Humans, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET) enzymes, aging, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, regions differentially hydroxymethylated with age (DHMRs), DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases, DNA Methylation, Fibroblasts, Neoplasm Proteins, Skin Aging, 5-Methylcytosine, Female
dermal fibroblasts, Adult, Male, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), CCCTC-Binding Factor, Article, epigenetic drift, Histones, Mitochondrial Proteins, Humans, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET) enzymes, aging, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, regions differentially hydroxymethylated with age (DHMRs), DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases, DNA Methylation, Fibroblasts, Neoplasm Proteins, Skin Aging, 5-Methylcytosine, Female
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 15 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
