Deoxyadenosine methylation, DNA modification, methylation, novel DNA modifications, adenosine
We have discovered that deoxyadenosine can be methylated in various mammalian genomes, such as frogs, mouse and humans. We are using mass spectrometry and DNA immunoprecipitation to identify, quantify and describe the characteristics and function of this novel DNA modification in vertebrate genomes. Most of the vertebrate epigenetic modifications studies focus on histone and RNA, while modifications affecting directly DNA have mostly been ignored. With the tools we have independently developed, we will be able to study and further characterize direct DNA modifications and study their function.
DNA immunoprecipitation, SMRT-Sequencing, RNA sequencing,
University of Cambridge, UK (Dr. C. Frezza) Sanger Institute, University of Cambridge, UK (Dr. M. Quail)
We are focussing on understanding furhter characteristics of methylated deoxyadenosines, as well as elucidating their function. All this has great potential: Since methylated deoxyadenosines alter DNA directly, it is likely that any misregulation might have strong effects on the genome, transcription and ultimately human health. For example, changes to deoxycytidine methylation, a direct DNA modification, were key for a better understanding of gene expression and various diseases such as cancer.
In addition to the experience described above, I have worked in the field of RNA, in particular non-long coding RNA, as well as nuclear reprogramming, pluripotency and early development.