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n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Mon May 4, 2015, 12:37 PM May 2015

Sixth DNA base discovered?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the main component of our genetic material. It is formed by combining four parts: A, C, G and T (adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine), called bases of DNA combine in thousands of possible sequences to provide the genetic variability that enables the wealth of aspects and functions of living beings.

Two more bases: the Methyl- cytosine and Methyl-adenine

In the early 80s, to these four "classic" bases of DNA was added a fifth: the methyl-cytosine (mC) derived from cytosine. And it was in the late 90's when mC was recognized as the main cause of epigenetic mechanisms: it is able to switch genes on or off depending on the physiological needs of each tissue.

In recent years, interest in this fifth DNA base has increased by showing that alterations in the methyl-cytosine contribute to the development of many human diseases, including cancer.

Today, an article published in Cell by Manel Esteller, director of the Epigenetics and Cancer Biology Program of the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), ICREA researcher and Professor of Genetics at the University of Barcelona, describes the possible existence of a sixth DNA base, the methyl-adenine (mA), which also help determine the epigenome and would therefore be key in the life of the cells.

more

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150504101254.htm

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Sixth DNA base discovered? (Original Post) n2doc May 2015 OP
We get signal... xocet May 2015 #1
Even better sakabatou May 2015 #2
Thanks for posting that - I had not seen it before. LOL. n/t xocet May 2015 #4
That would make it at least the seventh ... eppur_se_muova May 2015 #3
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