Generating multiple base-resolution DNA methylomes using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing

Abstract

Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) is an effective technique for profiling genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in eukaryotes. RRBS couples size selection, bisulfite conversion, and second generation sequencing to enrich for CpG-dense regions of the genome. The progressive improvement of second-generation sequencing technologies and reduction in cost provided an opportunity to examine the DNA methylation patterns of multiple genomes. Here, we describe a protocol for sequencing multiple RRBS libraries in a single sequencing reaction to generate base-resolution methylomes. Furthermore, we provide a brief guideline for base-calling and data analysis of multiplexed RRBS libraries. These strategies will be useful to perform large-scale, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis.