Characterization of the DNA methylome and its interindividual variation in human peripheral blood monocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) play multiple and critical roles in the immune response, and abnormalities in PBMs have been linked to a variety of human disorders. However, the DNA methylation landscape in PBMs is largely unknown. In this study, we characterized epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiles in purified PBMs.

Materials & methods

PBMs were isolated from freshly collected peripheral blood from 18 unrelated healthy postmenopausal Caucasian females. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiles (the methylome) were characterized by using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation combined with high-throughput sequencing.

Results

Distinct patterns were revealed at different genomic features. For instance, promoters were commonly (∼58%) found to be unmethylated; whereas

SUBMITTER: Shen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3874233 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature