The Swedish life science tech company has introduced the EpiFinder GenomePro to enhance researchers’ ability to discover biomarkers, understand disease mechanisms and develop precision therapies within shorter time scales.
Powered by the Epigenomica AB’s patented high-throughput, multiplex, quantitative Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (ChIP-seq) technology, the new platform makes large-scale studies “more accessible than ever” thanks to the reduced cost per sample.
“With EpiFinder GenomePro, we’re setting a new standard in epigenomic research,” said Mohamad Takwa, CEO of Epigenica AB. “Our vision is to provide a platform that delivers valuable insights, enabling researchers to tackle complex biological questions with unprecedented scale and depth.”
The tool allows the analysis of histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs) and DNA methylation—the foundations of epigenetic regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure and cellular identity—simultaneously, and faster than before thanks to its optimized reagents.
Researchers can obtain robust quantitative data for 192 genome-wide ChIP-Seq profiles for multiple hPTMs and DNA methylation from minimal sample volumes.
Takwa said it offers “unparalleled high throughput and cost-efficiency, while maintaining exceptional data quality” as well as data transparency and reproducibility.
Barriers to epigenomic research
Many commercial epigenomics technologies are limited by their ability to profile one or a few marks and samples at a time, at low throughput and high cost, the firm explains on its website.
“Today, researchers can screen for either DNA methylation (DNAm) or histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs)–but not both simultaneously,” it says. “Experiments also require many cells to generate accurate information. Considerable input material is needed to undertake comprehensive, epigenetic screens across multiple samples and multiple epigenetic markers, because it’s difficult to make quantitative comparisons across studies or samples, the utility of epigenetic research is limited.”
The EpiFinder platform is described as a “first-in-class” multiplexed ChIP-seq technology for high-throughput analysis of epigenetic marks that lets scientists explore epigenetic biomarkers with “unprecedented speed, scalability, and affordability.”
Epigenomic research and nutrition
Epigenetic changes are modifications to DNA that regulate whether genes are turned up or turned down. Epigenetic testing allows the study of how diet and environment changes the way a person’s genes work.
Epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA activity.
Histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs) are chemical changes made to histone proteins after they are produced. These modifications play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by altering how tightly DNA is wrapped around histones, which affects whether genes are turned “on” or “off”.
DNA methylation changes how genes are expressed and patterns change over time so can be used as biological age markers. Diet plays a large part in this. For example, certain plant compounds such as curcumin and resveratrol may inhibit DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), potentially reversing abnormal methylation patterns.
Epigenomic insights help identify bioactive compounds that can modulate gene expression. For example, curcumin, resveratrol, sulforaphane, and EGCG (from green tea) have the potential to influence DNA methylation and histone acetylation, potentially impacting inflammation and aging.
Vitamin D has direct effects on the epigenome and the expression of more than 1,000 genes in most human tissues and cell types.
Foods rich in methyl donors like folate, B12 and choline can also influence gene silencing and activation. These are being incorporated into prenatal and longevity-focused supplements.
