Development of a novel bisulfite-free DNA methylation detection method using a separation chemical approach

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K05562
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 34020:Analytical chemistry-related
• Research Institution: University of Fukui
• Principal Investigator: Takahashi Toru 福井大学, 学術研究院工学系部門, 准教授 (30361166)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 壹岐 伸彦 東北大学, 環境科学研究科, 教授 (50282108)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: DNAメチル化検出 / キャピラリー電気泳動 / バイサルファイトフリー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Recently, 5-methylcytosine has attracted much attention as a molecular marker useful for the early diagnosis of cancer. Almost all existing DNA methylation detection methods require the use of bisulfite (BS) treatment. In this research project, we aim to develop a new BS-free DNA methylation detection method that does not require BS treatment, which is highly desired. As a means to directly distinguish between 5-methylcytosine and cytosine, we have developed a precise DNA separation method that utilizes acid-base equilibrium, which will be the basic technology for the BS-free DNA methylation detection method, based on the applicant's original capillary electrophoretic separation method for isomeric single-stranded DNA of equal chain length.

Free Research Field

分析化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

既往のほぼすべてのDNAメチル化検出法ではバイサルファイト（BS）処理の利用が前提となっている．BS処理は重大な問題を抱えているが，有効な代替手段がないため使われ続けている．本研究の成果は、その開発が強く望まれている，BS処理を必要としない新規なBSフリーDNAメチル化検出法の基盤技術とを提供するものでありると同時に、CE分離を利用してメチル検出（5-mCとCの直接識別）を達成するという分離化学的アプローチそのものが本研究課題の学術的独自性である．