(228dn) Engineering a Live-Cell Compatible Epigenetic Biosensor for the Detection of Gene Specific DNA Methylation

Methylation of cytosine is a chemical modification of DNA that plays a key role in regulating gene expression. The addition of a methyl group at the C5 position of cytosine has implications in cellular processes such as gene imprinting and differentiation. Aberrant methylation patterns in a gene can deregulate its expression and has been linked to various types of cancers and neurological diseases. These changes in methylation levels are highly specific and can act as biomarkers for diseases or measuring exposure to environmental toxins. Our platform for the detection of DNA methylation utilizes an epigenetic â??readerâ? domain that binds specifically to methylated DNA with high affinity. Sequence specificity is achieved by using a modular DNA binding domain that recognizes 15-30 bp of DNA with high specificity. In situ binding of the sensor indicates that it can detect DNA methylation at a nano-molar concentration of DNA. The probes have been used in live cell methylation detection as well