It is similar to the ribonucleoside cytidine, but with one hydroxyl group removed from the C2' position.

This compound slows the cell cycle by interfering with the methylation of the P15/INK4B gene, increasing the expression of P15/INK4B protein which subdues the transformation of MDS to leukemia.

[2] Deoxycytidine can also serve as a biomarker for tumor diagnosis.

Deoxycytidine can be used as a biomarker for breast cancer patients and healthy individuals.

5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2′-deoxycytidine (5-hmdC), 5-(formyl)-2′-deoxycytidine (5-fodC), and 5-(carboxyl)-2′-deoxycytidine (5-cadC) are intermediates in the DNA demethylation pathway and can act as biomarkers.