Agilent Technologies Inc. has expanded its target-enrichment platform with the SureSelect XT Human Methyl-Seq system for epigenetic research into DNA methylation sites. It is the first DNA methylation discovery system using target enrichment.
The platform is an in-solution tool for analyzing under- and over-methylated cytosine sites on the human genome. The assay combines SureSelect, a target-enrichment platform, with bisulfite sequencing. This enables sequence coverage of only the most relevant regions for epigenetic studies, including those associated with a wide range of disorders such as cancer, imprinting disorders, behavioral and mental disorders, and many others.
Agilent SureSelect XT Methyl-Seq allows researchers to analyze over 3.7 million individual CpG dinucleotide sequences for their methylation state. The system targets promoters, canonical CpG islands, and the more recently described “shores” and “shelves” found up to 4 kilobase pairs on either side of CpG islands. Studies have indicated that many methylation alterations are not in promoters or CpG islands, but most are within 2 kilobases, the CpG island shore. The kit also targets known differentially methylated regions.
Agilent SureSelect XT Methyl-Seq delivers higher throughput and lower costs than whole genome bisulfite sequencing. It identifies regions that are not detected by restriction enzyme-based or immunoprecipitation-based methods. The offering includes all reagents needed for library prep and target enrichment.
