Loss of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine is an epigenetic biomarker in cutaneous T cell lymphoma

DNA hydroxymethylation at the 5 position of cytosine (5-hmC) is a product of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family of DNA hydroxylases. Accumulating evidence shows that loss of 5-hmC is critical for various biological and pathological processes. However, its level in cutaneous T cell lymphoma remains largely unknown. Here we report that the loss of 5-hmC is an epigenetic hallmark of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), with diagnostic and prognostic implications. Immunohistochemistry staining on 90 mycosis fungoides (MF) cases demonstrated a significant decrease of 5-hmC staining in CD4+ T cells in patch and tumor stages, especially in MF-LCT, compared to benign inflammatory dermatoses.
Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research