SCANning Single Molecules to Pinpoint Co-Occurrence of Epigenetic MarksApril 24, 2013Just because two people live on the same street doesn’t necessarily mean they live that close to each other or in the same house, yet that’s what you often have to assume when using ChIP to detect epigenetic modifications. Either that, or you have to use tons of sample and/or a labor-intensive method to figure […]
Epigenetic Mechanisms in AutismApril 24, 2013Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to related neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in reciprocal communication and social interactions, coupled with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. Because ASD tends to run in families, much effort has been spent on genetic analyses to identify genetic variations that either cause or elevate risk for […]
5-hmC as a Cancer DiagnosticApril 24, 2013We’ve heard that DNA methylation can get messed up in cancer, but what about 5-hydroxymethylation (5-hmC)? In a recent report, researchers say that 5-hmC profiles could serve as epigenetic signatures of cancer. The U.K. and Swiss team wanted to know if they could zero in on a signature or biomarker for liver cancer—specifically for liver […]
Genome Editing with the CRISPR/Cas System in ZebrafishApril 24, 2013CRISPR/Cas is getting a lot of attention lately as a way to insert or delete genomic sequences in mammalian cells, but what about in model organisms? A new paper now shows that it works well in zebrafish and suggests it could be a new “go-to” method in other models as well. Last month, we told […]
Guide: Getting Started with Genome-Wide 5-mC and 5-hmC SequencingApril 10, 2013With recent advances in sample preparation, highthroughput sequencing, and bioinformatics, researchers looking to study DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation now have several options for investigating these epigenetic modifications on a genome-wide scale. The following technologies offer varying levels of resolving power, with some offering regional estimates of DNA methylation status, while others provide quantitative values at […]
