Hunting for the 5th base: Techniques for analyzing DNA methylation

BackgroundIn the recent past large progress has been made in the analysis of the epigenome, the entirety of epigenetic modifications, and its meaning for the implementation of the genetic code. Besides histone modifications and miRNA expression, DNA methylation is one of the key players in the field of epigenetics, involved in numerous regulatory processes.MethodsIn the present review we focus on methods for the analysis of DNA methylation patterns and present an overview about techniques and basic principles available for this purpose.Results and general significanceWe here discuss advantages and disadvantages of various methods and their feasibility for specific tasks of DNA methylation analysis.