Analyses that provide insight into epigenetic modifications and their impact on gene regulation. Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene activity caused by mechanisms other than alterations to the DNA sequence. Epigenetic studies may include investigation of changes in DNA methylation, DNA-protein interactions, chromatin accessibility, histone modifications and more.
Our service portfolio includes:
- WGBS (full name: Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing), which enables the identification of methylated cytosines across the entire genome at single-nucleotide resolution, essential for understanding gene expression and many biological processes subject to epigenetic regulation.
- ATAC-seq (Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin Sequencing) is a modern epigenomic method for identifying open chromatin regions across the genome. The technique uses a hyperactive Tn5 transposase that simultaneously cleaves DNA and adds sequencing adapters to accessible chromatin regions. This enables the mapping of genomic regulatory elements such as promoters, enhancers and transcription factor binding sites.
- Hi-C sequencing is a genomic technique used to investigate the three-dimensional organisation of the genome. It identifies DNA regions that are close together in the nuclear space even when they are far apart in the linear genome sequence. The method involves crosslinking native contacts between chromatin fragments, ligating spatially adjacent DNA fragments and sequencing them. This enables chromosome interaction maps to be generated, chromatin loops and TADs (Topologically Associating Domains) to be identified, and the impact of genome organisation on gene expression regulation to be analysed.
Which service should you choose?
Do you want to analyse DNA methylation?
Choose Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing. This method identifies methylated cytosines across the genome at single-nucleotide resolution.
Do you want to identify open chromatin regions?
Choose ATAC-seq. This method maps accessible chromatin regions and identifies potentially active genomic regulatory elements.
Do you want to investigate the three-dimensional organisation of the genome?
Choose Hi-C Sequencing: this method enables analysis of three-dimensional chromatin contacts, topologically associating domains (TADs), and chromatin loops.
Do you need chromosome-level genome assembly?
The Hi-C data can be used for scaffolding in de novo genome assembly projects. They enable sequences to be assigned, oriented and ordered within individual chromosomes.
Integrate multiple layers of regulation
Epigenomic data can be integrated with RNA-seq, gene-expression analysis, genome annotation and other types of omics data.
Combining information on DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility and gene expression provides deeper insight into transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Integrating Hi-C data with combined ATAC-seq and RNA-seq results enables analysis of the relationships between spatial genome organisation, regulatory element activity and changes in gene expression.
Plan your epigenomics project
The appropriate method depends on the regulatory mechanism being studied, sample type, genome size and expected analytical resolution. Provide us with information about the organism, sample types, number of experimental groups and study objective, and we will help you select the appropriate technology and scope of data analysis.
COMPLETE THE PROJECT SPECIFICATION → here
Not sure which method would be best? Fill in the available information and indicate that you need help planning the experiment.
BOOK A CONSULTATION → here
Selected projects and client publications
See which institutions we perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) for and explore scientific publications that draw on the data we have supplied.