While the history or epigenetics can perhaps be traced back to 1951 when Dr. G. Wyatt first observed that human DNA contained a large amount of 5-methylcytosine, it wasn't until the mid seventies when researchers began to postulate that the methylation of cytosine residues in DNA may have an impact on gene expression. As research into DNA methylation continued over time it became apparent that DNA methylation only occurred at specific cytosine residues, and that this methylation could impact the accessibility of transcription factors to DNA and therefore provide an additional level of control over gene expression. Soon DNA methylation was joined by several modifications to histones, the proteins which package DNA, such that the histones could package the DNA in a condensed and transcriptionally inaccessible state providing another level of control over gene expression. Since both DNA methylation and histone modification provided a level of control over gene expression that is above the traditional controls of gene expression (such as gene promoters/enhancers/repressors) these new regulatory pathways were grouped into a new control mechanism termed Epigenetic.
Epigenetic controls play an essential role in normal cell function, such as helping differentiated cells maintain their phenotype. However, it is becoming more and more evident that epigenetic changes can also play a role in aging and in certain disease states such as cancer. Due to the role of epigenetics in these process there is a large interest in screening materials for their ability to promote changes in DNA methylation or in histone modification. Our laboratory can provide the means with which to screen these types of materials.
Epigenetic controls play an essential role in normal cell function, such as helping differentiated cells maintain their phenotype. However, it is becoming more and more evident that epigenetic changes can also play a role in aging and in certain disease states such as cancer. Due to the role of epigenetics in these process there is a large interest in screening materials for their ability to promote changes in DNA methylation or in histone modification. Our laboratory can provide the means with which to screen these types of materials.
DNA Methylation Assays
- Global DNA methylation (DNA 5-methylcytosine content)
- DNA methylation arrays (information on the methylation status of specific gene sequences)
- DNA methyl transferase activity assay
Histone Modifications
- Acetylation
- Methylation
- Phosphorylation
- Ubiquitination
MicroRNA Analysis
- miRNA Arrays
Please note that only the typical targets are listed. If there are other epigenetic markers that your company has an interest in please let us know and we can accommodate you. Please contact us for specific pricing and study timing.