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.