Effect of DNA methylation on the velocity of DNA translocation through a nanochannel

Abstract

Here, we report the effect of DNA methylation on the velocity of DNA translocation through a nanochannel, as determined by measuring differences in translocation velocities between methylated and non-methylated DNA molecules. We found that the velocity of translocation of methylated DNA was faster than that of non-methylated DNA, which we attributed to variation in the coefficients of diffusion and friction with the nanochannel wall, due to the increased molecular weight and stiffness, respectively, of methylated DNA.