Electrochemically detecting DNA methylation in the EN1 gene promoter: implications for understanding ageing and disease.

ABSTRACT: There is a growing need for biomarkers which predict age-onset pathology. Although this is challenging, the methylome offers significant potential. Cancer is associated with the hypermethylation of many gene promoters, among which are developmental genes. Evolutionary theory suggests developmental genes arbitrate early-late life trade-offs, causing epimutations that increase disease vulnerability. Such genes could predict age-related disease. The aim of this work was to optimise an electrochemical procedure for the future investigation of a broad range of ageing-related pathologies. An electrochemical approach, which adopted three analytical techniques, was used to investigate DNA methylation in the engrailed-1 (EN1) gene promoter. Using synthetic single-stranded DNA, one technique was abl

SUBMITTER: Morgan AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7670582 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature