Abstract
Aim: To clarify mechanisms affecting the level and distribution of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) during aging. Materials & methods: We examined levels and genomic distribution of 5hmC along with the expression of ten–eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases (TETs) in adipose stem cells in young and age-advanced individuals. Results: 5hmC levels were higher in adipose stem cells of age-advanced than young individuals (p = 0.0003), but were not associated with age-related changes in expression of TETs. 5hmC levels correlated with population doubling time (r = 0.62; p = 0.01). We identified 58 differentially hydroxymethylated regions. Hypo-hydroxymethylated differentially hydroxymethylated regions were approximately twofold enriched in CCCTC-binding factor binding sites. Conclusion: Accumulation of 5hmC in aged cells can result from inefficient active demethylation due to altered TETs activity and reduced passive demethylation due to slower proliferation.
Supplementary data
To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/epi-2019-0131
Financial & competing interests disclosure
This work was supported by the Polish National Science Centre grant 2014/13/B/NZ4/00157. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
This manuscript has been copyedited by native English speakers with a related biomedical background in BioMed Proofreading® LLC. Writing assistance was supported by the Polish National Science Centre grant 2014/13/B/NZ4/00157.
Ethical conduct of research
The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee (KB/283/2013). All participants gave written, informed consent for participation in the study.