Development of the method for CpG methylation analysis based on higher-order structure of DNA

• Overview

  We aimed at developing a rapid and simple analysis method for CpG methylation of human genomic DNA which plays many important roles in duplication and transcription resulting in controlling development and differentiation of human cells. We also aimed at elucidation of those mechanism using the developed analysis method in molecular, cellular and individual levels. Our final goal is development of platform technology for prenatal diagnosis based on those research.

  We focus on G-quadruplex(G4) and i-motif structures which are formed at complementary strands of genomic DNA, both of them are kinds of higher-order structures of DNA. We are going to develop CpG methylation analysis by detecting those structural changes caused by CpG methylation, which is totally different from the bisulfite sequencing, a current golden standard analysis method for CpG methylation of human genomic DNA.

  

Members

Makoto Shibutani　(Institute of Agriculture / Professor)
Kazuo Nagasawa　(Institute of Engineering / Professor)
Jun-ichi Shirakashi　(Institute of Engineering / Professor)
Hiroko Tabunoki　(Institute of Agriculture / Professor)
Ryutaro Asano　(Institute of Global Innovation Research / Professor)
Wakako Tsugawa　(Institute of Engineering / Associate Professor)
Tetsushi Mori　(Institute of Engineering / Associate Professor)
Takuma Sakamoto　(Institute of Global Innovation Research / Assistant Professor)  (2020.10.1 ~ 2022.9.30)