Título : Techniques of DNA methylation analysis with nutritional applications
Autor(es) : Mansego-Talavera, M.L. (María Luisa); Milagro, F.I. (Fermín I.); Campion, J. (Javier); Martinez, A. (José Alfredo)
Resumen: Epigenetic mechanisms are likely to play an important role in the regulation of metabolism
and body weight through gene-nutrient interactions. This review focuses on methods for
analyzing one of the most important epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation, from single
nucleotide to global measurement depending on the study goal and scope. In addition, this
study highlights the major principles and methods for DNA methylation analysis with emphasis
on nutritional applications. Recent developments concerning epigenetic technologies are
showing promising results of DNA methylation levels at a single-base resolution and provide
the ability to differentiate between 5-methylcytosine and other nucleotide modifications such
as 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. A large number of methods can be used for the analysis of DNA
methylation such as pyrosequencing TM , primer extension or real-time PCR methods, and genome-wide DNA methylation profile from microarray or sequencing-based methods. Researchers
should conduct a preliminary analysis focused on the type of validation and information
provided by each technique in order to select the best method fitting for their
nutritional research interests.