TETenzymosomes

TETenzymosomes are a novel class of supramolecular structures that combine the enzymatic activity of TET (Ten-Eleven Translocation) proteins with the formation of lipid-based vesicles. These structures are designed to deliver TET enzymes to specific cellular locations and facilitate their function in DNA demethylation. TET enzymes play a crucial role in epigenetics by catalyzing the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), a key step in DNA demethylation pathways.

The creation of TETenzymosomes typically involves encapsulating TET proteins within liposomes or other vesicular carriers. This encapsulation not only protects the enzymes from degradation but also allows for controlled release and targeted delivery. The lipid bilayer of the vesicle can be engineered with specific lipids or surface modifications to enhance uptake by target cells or to direct them to particular cellular compartments, such as the nucleus where DNA resides.

The primary advantage of TETenzymosomes lies in their ability to concentrate TET enzyme activity at desired sites. This can overcome limitations associated with the diffuse distribution of endogenous TET enzymes or the challenges of delivering exogenous proteins into cells. Research into TETenzymosomes is exploring their potential applications in various fields, including cancer therapy, where aberrant DNA methylation patterns are common, and in regenerative medicine, where precise epigenetic control is essential for cell differentiation. Further development aims to optimize their stability, efficiency, and specificity for therapeutic interventions.