Chuan He Group Introduces USB-seq, a Revolutionary Method for Rapid and Accurate Epigenetic Analysis
Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in gene expression and regulation. One of the most important epigenetic markers is 5-methylcytosine (5mC), which is found in both DNA and RNA. Accurate detection of 5mC sites is essential for understanding various biological processes and diagnosing human diseases. For years, bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq) has been the gold standard for DNA 5mC detection due to its high resolution, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, traditional BS-seq methods have limitations, such as long reaction time, incomplete conversion, DNA damage, and overestimation of methylation levels.
Now the Chuan He Group has developed a revolutionary new method called UBS-seq (Ultrafast Bisulfite Sequencing) that overcomes the limitations of traditional BS-seq for a more thorough detection of 5mC in both DNA and RNA. As their recently published research in Nature Biotechnology details, UBS-seq is a game-changer in both basic research and clinical applications, allowing for rapid and accurate analysis of low-input samples, making it ideal for biomarker discovery, clinical diagnosis, and potentially real-time decision-making in surgery.
To address the limitations of BS-seq, the investigators explored alternative BS recipes and discovered that using ammonium instead of sodium salts greatly improves efficiency. Applying this modification allows for rapid and complete C-to-U conversion while preserving the 5mC mark and reducing degradation. The result is UBS-seq, a method that now offers researchers significant advantages over traditional BS-seq.
UBS-seq is part of a new wave of quantitative sequencing methods that are transforming the field of epitranscriptomics, the study of RNA modifications. With quantitative sequencing methods like SAC-seq and BID-seq, and now UBS-seq, the future holds immense potential for understanding the complex world of epigenetics and its impact on human health and disease.
Citation- Dai, Q., Ye, C., Irkliyenko, I. et al."Ultrafast bisulfite sequencing detection of 5-methylcytosine in DNA and RNA . Nat Biotechnol (2024).