A human tissue map of 5-hydroxymethylcytosines exhibits tissue specificity through lncRNA genes

Abstract

This study investigates the role of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes across diverse human tissues, a topic that has remained underexplored despite previous studies highlighting its contributions to development and tissue specificity. We analyzed 15 human tissue samples using 5hmC sequencing (5hmC-seq) to map the distribution of 5hmC across the genome. Specific enrichment of 5hmC was observed in lncRNA genes, particularly those with tissue-specific expression patterns. Bioinformatics analysis revealed strong correlations between the tissue-specific 5hmC-modified lncRNA genes and their respective functional roles in different tissues. Additionally, pathway enrichment and functional annotation analyses of target genes of key 5hmC-modified lncRNA genes provided further insights into their potential involvement in tissue-specific processes. These findings underscore the significant role of 5hmC modifications in regulating the function of lncRNA genes linked to tissue specificity, offering a foundation for future research on the clinical implications of lncRNA 5hmC modifications.