Analysis of 5-methyl cytosine and 5-hydromethyl cytosine contents and distribution in different lineages during the bovine development

DNA methylation of cytosines (5-mC) plays a crucial role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression throughout development. The pattern of 5-mC is accurately established by de novo DNA methyltransferases (DNMT3a-3b) and inherited through mitosis by a maintenance DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1). Recently, another DNA modification, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), was reported. 5-hmC is generated from 5-mC by TET proteins, and could be an intermediate in demethylation pathways. This study aims to determine the tissue- and cell- content of the 5-mC and 5-hmC amount by different approaches in mouse and in bovine species. Given the potential role of 5-hmC in nuclear reprogramming, it is crucial to obtain data in species with longer developmental time courses than the mouse.