DNA Modification Detection Methods

Understanding the functional roles of DNA modifications relies on the accurate detection, quantification, and mapping of DNA modifications. Methods for deciphering DNA modifications have substantially improved over the last several years, which greatly revolutionize the field of DNA modifications. In addition to DNA cytosine methylation (5-methylcytosine, 5mC), the best-characterized epigenetic modification, many new modifications have been discovered to present in DNA in recent years.  

This book provides a comprehensive overview of available techniques and methods together with detailed step-by-step protocols for experimental procedures required to successfully perform analysis on various types of DNA modifications, including 5mC, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), 5-carboxycytosine (5caC), 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5hmU), 5-formyluracil (5fU), N6-methyladenine (6mA), β-D-glucosyl-5-hydroxymethyluracil (base J) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (OG). This laboratory manual is a valuable source for biochemists and molecular biologists from different fields who wish to investigate DNA modifications.

Dr. Yuan received his bachelor’s degree and PhD degree from Wuhan University in 2001 and 2006, respectively. After completing the postdoctoral research in National University of Singapore (2006-2007, Singapore) and University of California, Riverside (2007-2010, USA), Dr. Yuan started to work as a professor in the College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences of Wuhan University from 2011. Dr. Yuan’s research focuses on the development and application of new analytical techniques in the investigation of the occurrence, location, and biological functions of nucleic acid modifications. By establishing highly sensitive analytical methods, Dr. Yuan discovered many new types of modifications in nucleic acids. He also revealed the mechanisms of the formation and metabolism of some nucleic acid modifications, which promotes the understanding of the biological functions of nucleic acid modifications.