Advances in genomic DNA methylation analysis

Genomic DNA methylation is one of three epigenomic mechanisms controlling DNA expression. It is involved in various aspects of development and other biological phenomena of eukaryotic organisms. Several experimental approaches have been worked out to analyze DNA methylation. The main methodologies may be broadly classified into two categories, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based and non-PCR based methylation methods. PCR techniques are more powerful and reliable in analysis of genomic DNA methylation profiles. Three main processes are required in the PCR based analysis, detection of methylated cytosine and this is be done by methylation-sensitive enzymes or sodium bisulphite treatment, then followed by PCR amplification and sequencing. The present methods have their drawbacks, advantages and potential applications. Currently DNA methylation profiles of genomes are analyzed by sophisticated integrated technologies. The aim of present study is to review the early and up to date methods which have been invented for analysis of genomic DNA methylation. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information.