Explore DNA Methylation on a Genome-Wide Scale

March 28, 2022

CeGaT expands its Research and Pharma Solutions product portfolio with Whole Genome Methylation Sequencing service. DNA methylation is one of the most common epigenetic modifications with a fundamental influence on gene expression, cellular differentiation, and genomic imprinting. We generate high-quality libraries and sequencing data through an enzyme-based conversion of unmethylated cytosines. Thus, we achieve a superior sensitivity in identifying 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC).

DNA methylation is one of the most examined epigenetic modifications. Without any change in the DNA sequence itself, DNA methylation regulates gene activity and function. DNA-Methyltransferases mediate the regulation of gene activity and function by transferring a methyl-group to the fifth carbon of the cytosine ring. In mammals, the resulting 5-mC and 5-hmC occur mainly in CpG dinucleotides. However, in other organisms, DNA methylation can also happen in a non-CpG context.

Alterations in DNA methylation are closely associated with cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurological diseases. To detect methylation patterns, unmethylated cytosines are converted to uracils during library generation and can therefore be distinguished from methylated or hydroxymethylated cytosines.

For the conversion, CeGaT uses an enzyme-based method (EM-seq™). Compared to conventional bisulfite conversion, which often damages the DNA, the more gentle enzyme-based conversion technology leads to highly accurate methylation determination. The resulting high-quality methylation data can be used for biomarker discovery, clinical studies with methylation-associated treatments, or other clinical applications. Further, the analysis of DNA methylation provides, for instance, an insight into cell differentiation mechanisms, characteristic methylation profiles, and specific tissue development.

Whole Genome Methylation Sequencing provides:

  • genome-wide profiling of (hydroxy) methylated cytosines, including regions with low CpG-density
  • determination of the global DNA methylation level
  • information about the conversion rate for each sample, generated via analysis of a positive (pUC19) and negative control (lambda phage)

We gladly support you in terms of sample preparation for your clinical study or research project. Benefit from our long-standing expertise in the diagnostic field, our strict quality standards, and our practical knowledge.

For further information, feel free to contact us at rps@cegat.com.