Methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) protocol to assess CpG and CpNpG methylation in the banana genome

Introduction. The technique presented provides molecular markers for DNA methylation studies in the Musa sp. genome. This technique can be used for studying DNA methylation in natural populations, in mapping populations, and also in plant organs or during plant development. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material, time required and expected results are presented. Materials and methods. This part describes the required materials, and the protocols for producing MSAP autoradiography with HpaII/MspI (CCGG methylation) and for EcoRII/PspGI (CCWGG methylation). It mentions the main problems which can occur. Results. The protocol makes it possible to detect CCWGG and CCGG methylated sites.