TET1

TET1, also known as Ten-eleven translocation 1, is a protein-coding gene that plays a crucial role in epigenetic regulation. It is a member of the TET enzyme family, which are dioxygenases responsible for the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in DNA. This process is a key step in DNA demethylation, a mechanism that dynamically alters the epigenome without changing the underlying DNA sequence.

The TET1 enzyme catalyzes the conversion of 5mC to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), and further oxidation can lead to 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). These oxidized forms of 5mC are intermediates in the DNA demethylation pathway, eventually being converted back to unmethylated cytosine through base excision repair.

TET1 is widely expressed in various tissues and is particularly important during embryonic development. Its activity is essential for maintaining pluripotency in embryonic stem cells and for proper differentiation of various cell types. Dysregulation of TET1 has been implicated in a range of diseases, including cancers and developmental disorders, highlighting its significance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and development. Research continues to explore the precise mechanisms by which TET1 functions and its broader implications in health and disease.