As the terminal oxidation product in the active DNA demethylation pathway, 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) serves as a critical epigenetic mark for studying genomic reprogramming and regulatory dynamics. CD BioSciences provides highly sensitive and specific 5caC analysis services to help researchers uncover its role in development, disease, and cellular identity.

Introduction to 5-Carboxylcytosine (5caC)

5-Carboxylcytosine (5caC) is the most oxidized derivative in the stepwise conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to unmethylated cytosine, generated by the Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) enzyme family. This rare and chemically distinct modification represents the final intermediate before complete demethylation, making it a direct molecular indicator of active DNA demethylation processes. Though present at extremely low genomic abundance, 5caC is enriched at specific regulatory elements, such as enhancers and promoters of developmentally regulated genes, suggesting a potential role in fine-tuning transcriptional landscapes. Its selective recognition and removal by thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) in the base excision repair pathway underscore its functional importance in maintaining epigenetic integrity.

Research into 5caC dynamics provides unique insights into embryonic development, cellular differentiation, and disease states—particularly cancer and neurological disorders—where demethylation pathways are often dysregulated, establishing 5caC as a valuable target for epigenetic biomarker discovery and mechanistic studies.

Fig.1 Regulation of DNA methylation in mammalian cells. (Tsiouplis N J, et al., 2021)

Our Services

As a leading provider of epigenetics services, CD BioSciences offers professional end-to-end solutions for the precise detection and genomic localization of 5caC. We leverage advanced chemistry and sequencing technologies to overcome the challenges of analyzing this low-abundance modification. Our services not only provide high-quality data but also in-depth biological interpretations, supporting your research in areas such as demethylation mechanisms, stem cell biology, and disease-related epigenetic disorders.

Comprehensive 5caC Analysis Solutions

Our service platform integrates multiple advanced technologies to deliver precise detection and mapping of 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). We offer a versatile suite of validated methods to suit diverse research needs and sample types.

Workflow of DNA 5caC Analysis Service

Our Advantages

1. Unmatched Modification Specificity: Our validated chemical methods exclusively target 5caC, eliminating interference from other cytosine derivatives.
2. Optimized for Ultralow-Abundance Detection: Proprietary protocols maximize sensitivity for reliable 5caC detection, even in limited or challenging samples.
3. Quantitative & Base-Resolution Insights: We provide both global quantification and precise, single-base mapping for a comprehensive view.
4. Integrated Biological Interpretation: Our experts contextualize your data within multi-omics frameworks to deliver actionable insights.
5. End-to-End Quality Assurance: A rigorous, stage-gated QC system ensures reproducible, publication-ready results.

CD BioSciences is committed to advancing epigenetics research through comprehensive analytical solutions. Beyond 5caC, we offer a complete portfolio for DNA modification analysis, including 5mC, 5hmC, 5fC, 6mA, 4mC, and oxidative damage markers. Our flexible and customizable workflows are designed to support your specific research goals, whether you are studying demethylation pathways, developmental epigenetics, or disease mechanisms. Contact us to develop a tailored epigenetic profiling strategy for your next project.

Reference
1. Tsiouplis N J, Bailey D W, Chiou L F, et al. TET-mediated epigenetic regulation in immune cell development and disease[J]. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 2021, 8: 623948.