Tet:基于DNA去甲基化的全新抗肿瘤药物靶标

Tet: novel anti-tumor drug target based on DNA demethylation

Tet蛋白属于α-酮戊二酸(α-KG)和亚铁离子(Fe2+)依赖的双加氧酶家族。Tet特异识别基因组DNA上5-甲基胞嘧啶(5mC)的甲基并进行催化氧化,是哺乳动物基因组DNA主动去甲基化途径中唯一被发现的关键因子。通过调控基因组5mC的动态平衡分布,Tet在胚胎发育早期基因调控和胚胎干细胞定向分化中至关重要,其表达和功能异常与包括骨髓增生异常综合征、慢性骨髓单核细胞性白血病和急性白血病在内的多种血液恶性肿瘤以及实体肿瘤有密切关系。因此,Tet及其介导的DNA去甲基化是全新的抗肿瘤靶向药物靶标。对于Tet生物功能和催化机制的研究将有助于深入了解与DNA去甲基化途径相关肿瘤的发生和发展机制,同时也为研发全新的抗肿瘤靶向药物提供参考。

Tet （ten-eleven translocation） proteins belong to α-ketoglutaric acid （α-KG or 2-OG） and Fe2＋ dependent dioxygenases. Tets are found to be involved in the unique mammalian DNA active demethylation process by specifically oxidizing the methyl group of 5-methylcytosine （5mC） in mammalian genome, and play critical roles in gene regulation in early embryonic development and stem cell differentiation via regulating the dynamic balance distribution of 5mC. Abnormal expression and function of Tets are closely associated with various hematological malignances, including myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as well as solid tumors. Hence, Tets and Tets-mediated DNA demethylation are novel anti-tumor drug targets. Investigation of biological function and catalytic mechanism of Tets is helpful for further understanding mechanisms of tumor incidence and development relevant to DNA demethylation pathway and can provide reference for developing new anti-tumor targeted drugs.