Detecting and sorting methylated DNA using a synthetic nanopore

US8394584B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois · US
• THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · US

Inventors

• Gregory Timp · South Bend, US
• Winston Timp · Baltimore, US
• Andrew P. Feinberg · Cleveland, US
• Utkur Mirsaidov · Urbana, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 18, 2009
• Grant date: Mar 12, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 18, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Q1/6827
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Provided are methods for detecting, characterizing or separating DNA based on methylation. Heterogeneous DNA populations are separated based on DNA methylation by providing a membrane having a nanopore through which an electric field is applied. DNA of interest is introduced, and for a given threshold voltage across the nanopore, only DNA having a methylation parameter of interest may transit the pore, thereby facilitating detection, characterization, or separation of DNA based on methylation. The methods are optionally used to detect a disease state that is associated with DNA methylation including, but not limited to, cancer.