Over the past few years, DNA methylation technologies and our knowledge of DNA methylation patterns have been advancing at a breathtaking pace. Due to this fact, DNA Methylation: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition completely revises, updates, and expands upon the popular first edition with the most current novel techniques, easier to use and more refined by the tested experience of leading experts. This revision reflects contemporary study of the subject: the analysis of gene-specific DNA methylation patterns has been complemented by genome-wide approaches, and epigenomics takes a central place. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, the chapters in this volume present brief introductions to the topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes which highlight tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, DNA Methylation: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is the perfect resource for scientists who wish to further our understanding of the molecular processes that determine the genomic DNA methylation landscape and for those who aim to identify and implement DNA methylation-based biomarkers for clinical and diagnostic applications."

The primary purpose of this volume is to demonstrate the range of applications of the Pyrosequencing technology in research and diagnostics and to provide detailed protocols. Beginning with an up-to-date overview of the biochemistry, the volume continues with quantitative analysis of genetic variation, ratio of expressed alleles at the RNA level, analysis of DNA methylation, global DNA methylation assays, specialized applications for DNA methylation analysis including loss of imprinting, single blastocyst analysis, allele-specific DNA methylation patterns, DNA methylation patterns associated with specific histone modifications. The volume further details tools and protocols for the detection of viruses and bacteria, and genetic and epigenetic analyses for forensics using Pyrosequencing. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and adaptable, Pyrosequencing: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition will greatly aid doctorial students, postdoctoral investigators and research scientists studying different aspects of genetics and cellular and molecular biology.

This third edition volume expands on the previous editions by providing a comprehensive update on the available technologies required to successfully perform DNA methylation analysis. The different technologies discussed in this book analyze the global DNA methylation contents, comprehensive analyses using various NGS based methods for genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, along with precise quantification of DNA methylation levels on single CpG positions. The chapters in this book are divided into 7 parts: an introduction to the field along with tips on study design and data analysis; global DNA methylation levels; genome-wide DNA methylation analysis; highly multiplexed target regions; locus-specific DNA methylation analysis; DNA methylation analysis of specific biological samples; and hydroxymethylation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, DNA Methylation Protocols, Third Edition is a valuable resource for postdoctoral investigators and research scientists who work with different aspects of genetics, and cellular and molecular biology, as well as clinicians who are involved in diagnostics or treatment of diseases with epigenetic components.