With this project we aim to develop Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) qualitative and quantitative spectral analysis of normomethylated and hypomethylated DNA in mouse fibroblast cells treated and not with DNA demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine (5-AZA). We expect to obtain precise information regarding the quantification of DNA methylation profiles in mouse fibroblast cells by two independent methodologies: FTIR and HRM/sequencing, which will be in the same time a verification of the proof of principle for FTIR based analysis of the differences between normomethylated and hypomethylated genomic DNA which could be set as a potential predictive and diagnostic tool in future.

To our knowledge this is a first time that synchrotron-based FTIR micro-spectroscopy is used for detection of the presence of 5mC and changes in the DNA methylation profile in cells. Therefore, proposed project has the potential to set a methodological approach for estimating level of whole genome DNA methylation profile that could be used as potential tool in early diabetic diagnosis.

Project No.: 2018093034

Partner: ALBA Synchrotron, BL01 – MIRAS

Project period: 1 year (2019)

Coordinators: Dr. Melita Vidaković (Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković") and Dr. Tanja Dučić (ALBA Synchrotron)