Epigenetic Research and Analysis on the 5500xl Genetic Analyzer

The field of epigenetics examines the heritable genetic modifications not attributable to changes in primary DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications have significant impacts on gene expression and therefore play a crucial role in the life of the cell. Lifestyle, nutrition, and environmental factors can all trigger epigenetic changes.

The most commonly studied epigenetic modifications are:

  1. Protein–DNA interactions (i.e., binding of proteins to DNA)
  2. Methylation of cytosine (C) nucleotides in the context of a CpG dinucleotide

Expression of miRNAs can also have an impact on epigenetic mechanisms and modifications.

Learn more about Small RNA

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (ChIP-Seq)

Protein DNAProteins bound to DNA can impact the expression of genes, as well as the accessibility and packaging of DNA.

Unlike traditional microarrays, our ChIP-Seq technology offers you a way to study these interactions in an unbiased, hypothesis-free manner. Protein–DNA complexes are isolated by chromatin-immunoprecipitation and characterized by sequencing the associated DNA.
Learn more about ChIP-Seq

  

Methylation Analysis by Sequencing

Methylation

As CpG DNA methylation is not preserved during DNA amplification, studying methylation requires that the DNA be treated to either preserve or select for methylation status prior to DNA sequencing. Techniques used to prepare DNA for methylation analysis on the 5500xl Genetic Analyzer include: the selection of methylated DNA by affinity enrichment, enzymatic compartmentalization using methylation-sensitive enzymes, or chemical treatment of the DNA using bisulfite.
Learn more about Methylation Analysis by Sequencing

For Research Use Only. Not intended for any animal or human therapeutic or diagnostic use.

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