Analytical epigenetics: single-molecule optical detection of DNA and histone modifications

Christian Heck, Yael Michaeli, Ilko Bald, Yuval Ebenstein

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

The field of epigenetics describes the relationship between genotype and phenotype, by regulating gene expression without changing the canonical base sequence of DNA. It deals with molecular genomic information that is encoded by a rich repertoire of chemical modifications and molecular interactions. This regulation involves DNA, RNA and proteins that are enzymatically tagged with small molecular groups that alter their physical and chemical properties. It is now clear that epigenetic alterations are involved in development and disease, and thus, are the focus of intensive research. The ability to record epigenetic changes and quantify them in rare medical samples is critical for next generation diagnostics. Optical detection offers the ultimate single-molecule sensitivity and the potential for spectral multiplexing. Here we review recent progress in ultrasensitive optical detection of DNA and histone modifications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)151-158
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Opinion in Biotechnology
Volume55
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2019

Funding

FundersFunder number
BeyondSeq consortium
EU-Horizon2020 program767931
NIH-R211R21ES028015-01
National Institute of Environmental Health SciencesR21ES028015
European Commission634890
European Research Council337830, 772752
Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftBA4026/5-2

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