A Protocol for Detecting DNA Methylation Changes at CpG Sites of Stemness-Related Genes in Aging Stem Cells.
Abstract
Aging adversely affects the self-renewal and differentiation capabilities of stem cells, which impairs tissue regeneration as well as the homeostasis. Epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, play a key role in the maintenance of pluripotency in stem cells and regulation of pluripotency-related gene expression. Age-related modifications in methylation patterns could influence the expression of genes critical for stem cell potency maintenance, including transcription factors Nanog and Sox2. The following chapter describes a step-by-step bisulfite sequencing protocol for detection of methylation changes in the aging stem cells and provides valuable insights into the stem cells epigenetic profile. Further, the methodology describes the steps of genomic DNA extraction, bisulfite conversion, real-time PCR amplification, and sequencing for an in-depth view of the epigenetic profile derived from aging stem cells.
The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.
Research summary
The paper presents a protocol for detecting DNA methylation changes in aging stem cells. This research is relevant as it addresses the epigenetic mechanisms that may underlie the decline in stem cell function with age, which is a critical aspect of understanding and potentially mitigating the effects of aging on tissue regeneration and homeostasis.
Author of this paper? Send a correction.