DNAmallen

DNAmallen is a term used in genetic and epigenetic discussions to describe a conceptual framework that links DNA methylation patterns with allele-level genomic analysis to study how epigenetic marks influence or reflect allelic regulation. It is not a standardized laboratory technique and is not widely adopted as a formal field name.

Concept and scope: The idea combines DNA methylation data, typically from bisulfite sequencing, with phased, allele-resolved genomic information. Proponents envision assessing methylation differences across haplotypes at regulatory SNPs to identify allele-specific epigenetic effects and regulatory variants that contribute to gene expression differences.

Methods and data requirements: Implementations would rely on high-depth sequencing to phase haplotypes and map methylation to specific alleles, followed by statistical models to test associations between methylation status and allelic expression. Challenges include phasing accuracy, tissue heterogeneity, and confounding factors such as age and environment.

Applications and status: In theory, DNAmallen could aid in characterizing imprinting, regulatory variation, and the epigenetic basis of complex diseases. However, as a term and approach, it remains informal, with varying definitions across sources and limited validation in peer-reviewed studies.

See also: Epigenetics, DNA methylation, Allele-specific expression, Genomic imprinting.