Epigenetic modifications define heritable changes in gene expression, without changes to the underlying DNA sequence.
Epigenetic modifications define heritable changes in gene expression, without changes to the underlying DNA sequence. The most common epigenetic modification in higher organisms is DNA methylation. This modification involves the addition of a methyl group to the 5-carbon position of cytosine in the DNA molecule. DNA methylation is typically associated with the silencing of gene expression. The levels and patterns of DNA methylation in humans has been shown to change significantly with age. This illustrates that our lifestyle and environmental factors can influence our epigenetic makeup and thus that of generations to come.
Bisulfite conversion
During bisulfite treatment unmodified cytosines are converted to uracil, while methylated cytosines are protected from this conversion. Bisulfite conversion is considered the gold standard for downstream applications (such as PCR, hybridization and NGS) to determine DNA methylation status. Post-treatment sequence analysis provides site specific information on DNA methylation across the genome.
From Zymo research we now offer a wide selection of fast and efficient solutions for bisulfite conversion.
| EZ DNA Methylation-Gold | EZ DNA Methylation-Lightning | EZ DNA Methylation-Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conversion efficiency | > 99% | > 99,5% | > 99,5% |
| Processing Time | 3hr | 1.5hr | 4hr |
| Input | 500 pg – 2 µg of DNA | 100 pg – 2 µg of DNA | DNA (≥50 pg), cells (≥ 10), blood, tissue, FFPE |