Question

how does tet2 regulate gene expression through epigenetic control? how does vitamin c effect this process?

Answer 1

1) TET2 is a enzyme of TET family which is also known as TEN ELEVEN TRANSLOCATION.This group of enzymes, esp TET2 has a key role in DNA methylation process. It influences the location specific reversal in DNA methylation mechanism.

2) DNA methylation, is an example of epigentic control mechanism. Epigenetic contols are inhereted changes, that are usually not present in DNA. Other examples of epigenetic contols are Histone deacetylation and mi RNA expression.

3) Irregularities in these epigenetic controls including DNA methylation is the key sigh of cancer and TET2 is the most frequently mutated in leukemias. Thus loss of this enzyme leads to hypermethylation of DNA.

4) So TET2 repair can promote DNA methylation and suppress leukemia progression.

5) Studies have shown that Vit C promotes hematopoietic activity in TET2 deficiency. In other words Vit C promotes TET2 activity. So it can be used in a therapeutic approach for leukemic conditions associated with TET2 deficiency.