Deciphering the multifaceted roles of TET proteins in T‐cell lineage specification and malignant transformation

Abstract

TET proteins are DNA demethylases that can oxidize 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) to generate 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and other oxidized mC bases (oxi‐mCs). Importantly, TET proteins govern cell fate decisions during development of various cell types by activating a cell‐specific gene expression program. In this review, we focus on the role of TET proteins in T‐cell lineage specification. We explore the multifaceted roles of TET proteins in regulating gene expression in the contexts of T‐cell development, lineage specification, function, and disease. Finally, we discuss the future directions and experimental strategies required to decipher the precise mechanisms employed by TET proteins to fine‐tune gene expression and safeguard cell identity.