EpiMark Analysis Kit simplifies DNA methylation analysis for epigenetics researchers

New England Biolabs (NEB) has launched a suite of new and validated products designed to simplify DNA methylation analysis for epigenetics researchers. These enzyme-based solutions address some of the challenges of the current methods, including the lack of a reproducible method for the analysis and quantitation of 5-hydroxymethlcytosine (5-hmC) in the epigenome.

EpiMark™ validated products from NEB include a family of methylation-dependent restriction enzymes (MspJI, FspEI and LpnPI), which excise 32-base pair fragments from whole genomes. These fragments contain centrally located hydroxymethylated (5-hmC) or methylated (5-mC) residues, and can be subsequently extracted and sequenced. This method is less harsh than bisulfite conversion and is suitable for whole methylome analysis.

The EpiMark™ 5-hmC and 5-mC Analysis Kit is a robust method for the identification and detection of 5-hmC and 5-mC within a specific locus. This three-step protocol reproducibly identifies and quantitates the presence of 5-hmC. Additionally, it is compatible with existing analysis techniques and is amenable to high throughput.

"Epigenetics currently represents one of the most exciting areas of life science research," states Andy Bertera, Director of Marketing at New England Biolabs. "The availability of innovative tools that simplify epigenetic studies is critical for the development of new disease-related biomarkers. The EpiMark family of products will help to achieve this, as well as help to further our understanding of the role of 5-hmC in the epigenome."

SOURCE New England Biolabs