Beth Searle

Background: MChem, University of St Andrews, 2020

Research project title: Development of on DNA oxidation catalysts for the efficient oxidation of 5-methyl- and 5- hydroxymethyl-dC to 5-formyldC for sequencing

Project details: 5-methylcytosine has long been known as an omnipresent epigenetic base in the genome. Since the discovery of oxidised derivatives 5-hydroxymethyl-, 5-formyl-, 5-carboxyl- cytosines it has become imperative to develop efficient and selective methods for their detection and base resolution sequencing in order to elucidate their biological implications. This project focusses on developing an oxidation catalyst selective for 5-methyl- and 5-hydroxymethyl- cytosine, with a view to employing these in the base resolution sequencing of these epigenetic bases. Metal complexes will be explored as a means of accomplishing this in conjunction with directing probes.

Funding: Marie Skłodowka-Curie Actions, Nature-ETN