Next-generation sequencing in epigenetics

Molecular epigenetics refers to the chemical and physical modification of DNA and chromatin. Transcription factors determine the chromatin states of their target genes, and chromatin states affect the binding of transcription factors to DNA. Chromatin states are characterized by specific patterns of DNA methylation, histone modification, the spacing of nucleosomes and the 3-D-folding of chromatin. Since the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), it has become possible to analyze these patterns on a genome-wide scale and at unprecedented resolution. Such epigenetic maps are important for detecting regulatory elements, understanding normal and abnormal development and identifying epimutations.