Characterization of DNA Lesions Produced from the Reaction of Diols and 5-Formylcytosine

The DNA base cytosine is commonly methylated in the promoter regions of inactive genes, indicating that methylation serves as a mechanism of control of gene expression. Methylated cytosine can also be oxidized to form other bases such as 5-formylcytosine, a reactive molecule. Molecules such as 1,3-propanediol, a compound commonly found in antifreeze and textiles, could react with the formyl group of 5-fC to form a cyclic acetal lesion