Epigenetic research roadblocks - (Mar/02/2006 )
Can anyone provide feedback on what the major roadblocks are for doing epigenetic research?
I don't think there are any roadblocks in epigenetic study in terms of methodology. Two major techniques are widely used: bisulfite modification based PCR methods for DNA methylation study and ChIP for histone modification study. Both are quite mature techniques although they are tricky and time-consuming.
Thank you for your reply. The tricky and time consuming part is the kind of information that I was curious about. I have just started using some bisulfite modification kits and they are definitely time consuming. Also, it looks like the tricky part is the downstream applications. For example, some people can get MSP to work really well after bisulfite and then others cannot. It seems like it is an art form that you really have to master to get reproducible results. Any thoughts?
with any experimental assay, I would say it is almost a art form.....however there are always "tricks of the trade" with any assay which makes life a lot easier. To know them, well that is another story.
I would say ChIP is the more tedious one as the results you obtain can be so variable and antibody dependent, thus if you have a carp antibody all your experiements are doomed.
With bisulfite squencing at least the results are clear cut.
Nick