However, the production and clearance of cell-free DNA from plasma in relation to its methylation status, are poorly understood processes.
Methods:We studied the methylation status of DNA derived from the imprinted GNAS1 locus, in cell-free plasma DNA of healthy adults. Heterozygotes were identified that carried the SNP rs1800905 in the imprinted region. The parent-oforigin-dependent DNA methylation was analysed by bisulfite conversion, followed by cloning and sequencing.Results: Genomic DNA molecules derived from both the methylated, maternal, allele and the unmethylated, paternal, allele were found in plasma. Methylated and unmethylated DNA molecules were present in equal numbers.
Conclusions:Our data indicate that the methylation status of a DNA sequence has no effect on its steady state concentration in the cell-free DNA component of plasma, in healthy adults.2
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