The variation of 5'-carboxycytosine localization within the nucleus of normal and cancerous cells

Abstract

Aim: Cytosine modifications are the common epigenetic marks during cellular processes. The pattern of cytosine modifications varies depending on the tissues and the developmental stages. The interactions within the epigenome are complex, and co-existence of cytosine modifications provides understanding on their collaborative or distinct functions. This study aims to disclose the intra-nuclear co-location of 5'-carboxycytosine with other modified cytosine bases in normal and cancerous cells.

Methods: Co-localization patterns were assessed using an immunostaining protocol enhanced with enzyme treatments, and microscope images were analyzed using ImageJ co-loc plug in.

Results: Findings showed that most of 5'-carboxycytosine is associated with oxidized forms of 5'-methylcytosine; however, some extent of individual localization was detected following different antigen retrievals.

Conclusion: These suggest that antigenicity reveals variation in the detection of the co-existence of cytosine modifications. The spatial organization of chromatin may be expected to affect this variation and it needs further investigation.