Abstract
DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism
Procedure Overview
MS-HRM analysis offers a simple method for quickly analyzing the methylation status of specific genetic loci. Reaction products that merit further analysis can then be sequenced directly to identify precise methylation patterns. Genomic DNA is treated with bisulfite to convert unmethylated cytosines to uracil,
then PCR primers are designed to amplify the region of interest, and the melting profiles of PCR products from the sample DNA are compared to those from fully methylated and unmethylated reference samples. PCR primers and amplicons are designed to provide the level of sensitivity required for the biological question of interest. Samples that are found to warrant further study are sequenced to identify precise methylation patterns. Applied Biosystems provides an integrated set of tools for locus-specific DNA methylation analysis using this optimized, streamlined procedure. The procedure is described in a general way in this application note. For detailed instructions, see the High Resolution Melting Getting Started Guide (P/N 4393102) and the BigDye® Terminator v1.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit Protocol (P/N 4337036).