HumanMethylation450

HumanMethylation450 is a DNA methylation profiling assay developed by Illumina, a leading provider of life science tools and solutions. It is designed to measure the methylation status of approximately 485,000 CpG sites across the human genome. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification that plays a crucial role in gene regulation, development, and disease. The HumanMethylation450 assay uses Infinium Methylation BeadChip technology, which allows for high-throughput and high-resolution profiling of DNA methylation.

The assay is widely used in research and clinical settings to study various biological processes, including gene expression regulation, cancer development, and aging. It provides a comprehensive view of the methylation landscape, enabling researchers to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and understand their functional implications. The HumanMethylation450 assay has been validated and widely adopted in the scientific community, making it a valuable tool for epigenetic research.

The HumanMethylation450 assay requires a small amount of DNA input, typically around 500 ng, and can be used to profile both genomic DNA and bisulfite-converted DNA. The data generated from the assay can be analyzed using various bioinformatics tools and platforms, such as Illumina's BeadStudio software, to identify methylation patterns and correlate them with biological outcomes. The HumanMethylation450 assay has been successfully applied in a wide range of studies, including cancer research, developmental biology, and pharmacogenomics.