Methylation Analysis by Sequencing on the 5500xl Genetic Analyzer
Methylation mapping is inherently more complex than genome sequencing, because the methylome exhibits much more variability than the genome. While each of us has only one genome, methylomes vary with age and between tissues, are altered by environmental factors, and show aberrations in diseases. Thus, mapping a person’s methylome at different ages, in different tissue types, and in various disease states is expected to yield valuable information about the mechanisms that lead to aging and disease. |
Methods for DNA Methylation Analysis
A variety of methods to tackle the complex question of DNA methylation have evolved over time including bisulfite conversion, digestion with methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes, and antibody- or 5-methylcytosine binding protein–based purification of methylated DNA.
The 5500xl Genetic Analyzer enables accurate, ultra–high-throughput sequencing, mapping, and counting of short DNA reads and, in combination with any of the above methylation profiling strategies, can be used for comprehensive, genome-wide mapping of methylation sites.
Three genome-wide methylation profiling strategies are available for the 5500xl Genetic Analyzer. The size of the target genome and the level of resolution you require will determine which solution will best suit your needs.
Enzymatic Genome Partitioning 
Methylation-sensitive and methylation-dependent restriction enzymes are used to compartmentalize the genome into methylated and unmethylated fractions. This method allows the methylation status of both unique and repetitive DNA sequences to be analyzed, which is not possible using microarrays. Deep sequencing with the 5500xl Genetic Analyzer then allows comprehensive, genome-wide methylation profiles to be constructed. |
Enriching for Methylated DNA 
MethylMiner™ Methylated DNA Enrichment Kit employs the methylCpG binding domain (MBD) of the human MBD2 protein to enrich double-stranded DNA based on CpG methylation density, with increased sensitivity over antibody-based methods. The MethylMiner™ Methylated DNA Enrichment Kit combined with ultra-deep sequencing on the 5500xl Genetic Analyzer provides a cost-effective and seamless method for profiling genome-wide methylation patterns. |
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Bisulfite Conversion 
All unmethylated cytosines in the genome are converted to uracil when treated with bisulfite (methylated cytosines are unaltered by this treatment). In this way, bisulfite conversion preserves the methylation status of every CpG prior to sequencing using the 5500xl Genetic Analyzer. The accuracy and throughput of the 5500xl Genetic Analyzer gives you the power to interrogate every CpG in the genome for whole-methylome analysis. Bisulfite conversion can also be coupled with the MethylMiner™ Methylated DNA Enrichment Kit for individual CpG analysis of the methylated fraction of the genome. |
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Step-by-Step Guide to DNA Methylation Analysis
The three traditional methylation profiling strategies can be successfully adapted onto SOLiD® System for a much more complete epigenomic mapping. Depending upon your specific scientific question, you might consider the following approaches:
- Enzymatic Genomic Partition
Separate the genome into methylated and unmethylated compartments with methylation sensitive or dependent restriction enzymes. - Bisulfite Conversion
Chemical modification of the unmethylated cytosines in the genome. - Enrichment of Methylated DNA
Purification of methylated genomic fragments.
For help choosing the best strategy for your research, please contact your field application specialist.
Application Notes
Posters
Publications
- Increased methylation variation in epigenetic domains across cancer types Publication: Nature Genetics (2011)
- High Resolution Detection and Analysis of CpG Dinucleotides Methylation Using MBD-Seq Technology Publication: PLoS One, 2011
- Promoter Hypermethylation in Thyroid Cancer Samples
Publication: Innovations Newsletter - Issue 09, Oct 2008
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