Presenting Author Buena Vista University Fort Dodge , Iowa
Global changes in the epigenetic landscape are hallmarks of cancer and many other diseases. One component of cancer epigenetics is DNA methylation. DNA methylation is responsible for regular biological processes, but decreased methylation leads to changes in gene expression which leads to an increase in cancerous activity. Methylation analysis allows insights into gene regulation and disease predispositions. Many different technologies are able to analyze DNA methylation through DNA/RNA sequencing. Nanopore Technology is used to analyze, in real time, long nucleotide fragments. The technology works by monitoring changes in electrical current through the membrane within the flow cell. Tissue samples were collected, and DNA was extracted using the Monarch Genomic DNA Purification Kit. Nanopore’s Rapid Sequencing Kit/Protocol was used to carry out the DNA extraction steps before sequencing. Real time DNA sequencing was conducted using Nanopore’s MINION and Flongle Cell. Epigenetic analysis was performed using secondary softwares Megalodon, Guppy basecaller, and EPI2ME. Studying epigenetic environments can furtherer understanding of disease etiology and understanding the function of diagnostic biomarkers.
JM and GE were supported by the Stine Endowment at Buena Vista University. Special recognition is given to Dr. Brittney Dinkel and Dr. Sarah Schlichte.
