All cells in the body contain the same DNA sequence but have different functions. The reason is that different cells only express certain genes.
Epigenetic modifications can be analyzed by different technologies, including PCR, DNA sequencing, microarray, and antibody-based affinity assays, among others. Each method is intended to study DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA.
Tools to Study Epigenetics. (11)
- An example of a DNA methylation methodology is bisulfite treatment in which DNA converts unmethylated cytosine to uracil. The resulting DNA can then be analyzed by PCR, Sequencing, or microarray.
- Analysis of chromatin changes could be mediated by histone modifications. Acetylation modifications lead to gene expression. ChIP-PCR (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-PCR) is a tool used to measure this histone modification in the laboratory.
- Technologies like qRT-PCR have been utilized to study non-coding RNA.
11. Turunen T.A., Väänänen M.-A., Ylä-Herttuala S. "Epigenomics." Encyclopedia of Cardiovascular Research and Medicine. 2018, pages 258-265.
