Identify 2 new bases in DNA structure

For decades, scientists have known that DNA is structured by four basic base units - adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine. These four base types have been taught in textbooks and explain how genes encode for life.

Recently, scientists have expanded that list from 4 to 6 bases. Recently, in a study published in Science , the researchers discovered the seventh and eighth base bases of DNA in the mouse genome.

The last two bases called 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine are cytosine versions that have been modified by Tet proteins, molecules that play an important role in DNA methylation and stem cell reprogramming. .

According to Dr. Yi Zhang: " It is necessary to understand the function of new bases because they represent an intermediate state in the methylation process. This state may be important for cell reprogramming and cancer because both involve DNA methylation . "

Therefore, this finding could help to study stem cells in depth by reprogramming adult cells so that they act as stem cells through antihypertensive changes in DNA structure.