Deamination is a biochemical process in which an amino group (NH2) is removed from a molecule, often resulting in the conversion of one base to another. In the context of chromatin, deamination events can have significant implications for chromatin structure, gene expression, and genome stability. One of the best-known deamination events in DNA involves the conversion of cytosine (C) to uracil (U) through the removal of the amino group from the C4 position. This process is spontaneous but can also be induced by chemical or deaminases. The presence of uracil in DNA is potentially mutagenic and can lead to the mispairing of adenine (A) with uracil during DNA replication, resulting in C:G to T:A transitions. Deamination can also occur at the 5-methylcytosine (5mC) base, a modification commonly associated with gene repression and epigenetic regulation. Deamination of 5mC results in thymine (T) formation. This event can lead to the accumulation of DNA mismatches and ultimately contribute to changes in the DNA sequence and epigenetic marks. Although less common, adenine (A) deamination can also occur, leading to the formation of hypoxanthine (H). Hypoxanthine pairs with cytosine (C) during DNA replication, thereby introducing mutations. Histones - the proteins that package DNA into chromatin - can also undergo deamination events, which can affect chromatin structure and function. Histones contain arginine residues, and deamination of these residues can occur through the activity of enzymes known as peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs). This deamination converts arginine to citrulline, leading to altered histone charge and potentially affecting histone-DNA interactions and chromatin compaction. Deamination events in DNA and histones can result in epigenetic changes. DNA deamination can lead to the loss of methylated cytosines and alterations in DNA methylation patterns, thereby impacting gene expression and cellular differentiation. Histone deamination can alter the histone code, influencing chromatin accessibility and gene expression. The histone code refers to the hypothesis that specific combinations of post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation and ubiquitylation on histone proteins can convey information and instructions regarding gene expression and chromatin structure. Different combinations of PTMs can mark regions of chromatin as either active (allowing gene expression) or repressive (preventing gene expression). The histone code can be read by various effector proteins, such as chromatin remodellers and transcription factors, which recognize and bind to specific histone modifications, thereby influencing the accessibility of the DNA and the transcriptional state of nearby genes. Deamination events in histones, particularly arginine deamination, can therefore influence the interactions between histones and DNA, affecting chromatin structure and function. These changes may impact gene accessibility and the recruitment of chromatin-associated proteins, ultimately influencing gene expression patterns. Thus, deamination events, particularly in DNA, can introduce mutations into the genome. When deaminated bases are not correctly repaired, they can lead to mutations, potentially contributing to cancer. Effective DNA repair mechanisms, like base excision repair (BER), are essential for maintaining genome stability in the face of deamination events. We offer a large product catalogue of research tools for investigating deamination, including ADA antibodies, CDA antibodies, GDA antibodies, and ADA ELISA Kits. Explore our full deamination product range below and discover more, for less.