# Characterization of DNA N6-methyl adenine and its role in epigenetic memory

> **NIH NIH DP2** · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 2021 · $531,000

## Abstract

Abstract
 Non-genetic information has recently been shown to regulate an increasing number of complex
phenotypes, including physical appearance, energy metabolism, behavioral state, and longevity. How
epigenetic information is transmitted from generation to generation is still largely unknown. Anything in the
zygote, which is not the DNA itself, could carry this non-genetic information. Here we propose taking
advantage of the nematode C. elegans, where we have characterized several examples of transgenerational
epigenetic inheritance, to identify the heritable material that regulates epigenetic memory. We have identified
that C. elegans contain an ancient form of DNA methylation, on the 6th position of the purine ring in adenines
(6mA), which was previously thought to only occur in unicellular organisms. We were the first to identify this
methylation in Metazoa and additionally found that this modification increases progressively in a paradigm of
epigenetic memory. Here we propose to characterize this novel epigenetic modification in eukaryotes by
identifying in which specific tissues and genomic locations 6mA modifications occur. We will also identify and
characterize the enzymes that add, remove and recognize this modification. Finally we will combine metabolic
methyl-labeling and directed methylation and demethylation to determine whether 6mA is the heritable
material. Together this application will define a fundamental new layer of conserved epigenetic regulation and
begin to identify whether 6mA can transmit a molecular memory across generations.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9976664
- **Project number:** 4DP2AG055947-02
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Eric Lieberman Greer
- **Activity code:** DP2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $531,000
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2016-09-30 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9976664

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9976664, Characterization of DNA N6-methyl adenine and its role in epigenetic memory (4DP2AG055947-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9976664. Licensed CC0.

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