African trypanosomes contain 5-methylcytosine in nuclear DNA

Eukaryot Cell. 2008 Nov;7(11):2012-6. doi: 10.1128/EC.00198-08. Epub 2008 Sep 12.

Abstract

It is currently unclear if there are modified DNA bases in Trypanosoma brucei other than J-base. We identify herein a cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferase gene and report the presence and location of 5-methylcytosine in genomic DNA. Our data demonstrate that African trypanosomes contain a functional cytosine DNA methylation pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 5-Methylcytosine / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / genetics
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation*
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • DNA, Protozoan / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / enzymology
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / genetics
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • 5-Methylcytosine
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases