Detection of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in DNA via host-guest interactions inside α-hemolysin nanopores.

ABSTRACT: Cytosine methylation and hydroxymethylation are both important epigenetic modifications of DNA in mammalian cells. Therefore, profiling DNA (hydroxy)methylation across the genome is vital for understanding their roles in gene regulation. Here, we report a nanopore-based approach for quick and reliable detection of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in DNA at the single-molecule level. The single-stranded DNA containing 5-methylcytosine or 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was first selectively modified on the epigenetic base to attach a host-guest complex. Threading of the modified DNA molecules through α-hemolysin nanopores causes unbinding of the host-guest complex and generates highly characteristic current signatures. Statistical analysis of the signature events affords quantitative in

SUBMITTER: Zeng T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5510575 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature