New England Biolabs Releases JoVE Video Protocol Highlighting Assay to Quantitate 5-hmC in Epigenome

IPSWICH, Mass., Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New England Biolabs (NEB) has published a video protocol with the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) for the EpiMark™ 5-mC and 5-hmC Analysis Kit, one of a suite of new and validated products designed to simplify DNA methylation analysis for epigenetics researchers. The protocol describes a 3-step, PCR-based assay to identify and quantitate 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) within a specific DNA locus. Additionally, this enzyme-based solution is readily amenable to high throughput.

The Journal of Visualized Experiments is a peer-reviewed online journal that publishes videos of experimental protocols. JoVE is the first video journal in the life sciences and has thus far published close to 1,000 video-articles from a variety of disciplines.  

"The EpiMark Kit is an exciting product, as it has the potential to help further our understanding of the role of 5-hmC in the epigenome," states Andy Bertera, Director of Marketing at New England Biolabs. "Visualization of the EpiMark protocol in JoVE highlights its ease-of use in analyzing the methylation status of a specific DNA locus."

The biological role of 5-hmC with respect to epigenetic changes is not currently understood, but may play a role in biomarker discovery.

For more information, visit www.epimark.com.

About NEB

Established in the mid 1970's, New England Biolabs, Inc. is the industry leader in the discovery and production of enzymes for molecular biology applications and now offers the largest selection of recombinant and native enzymes for genomic research. NEB continues to expand its product offerings into areas related to PCR, gene expression, cellular analysis, epigenetics and RNA analysis. Additionally, NEB is focused on strengthening alliances that enable new technologies to reach key market sectors. New England Biolabs is a privately held company, headquartered in Ipswich, MA and has extensive worldwide distribution through a network of exclusive distributors, agents and five subsidiaries located in Canada, China, Germany, Japan and the UK. For more information about New England Biolabs visit www.neb.com.

SOURCE New England Biolabs