TET family proteins: new players in gliomas

Abstract

DNA methylation at the 5-position of cytosine (5mC) in the mammalian genome has emerged as a pivotal epigenetic event that plays important roles in development, aging and disease. The three members of the TET protein family, which convert 5mC to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, has provided a potential mechanism resulting in DNA demethylation and maintaining cellular identity. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications play a key role in the regulation of the molecular pathogenesis of gliomas. In this review we focus on demonstrating the TET proteins in DNA demethylation and transcriptional regulation of different target genes. In addition, we address the role of TET proteins in gliomas. This review will provide valuable insights into the potential targets of gliomas, and may open the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches to this fatal disease.