MeTLAND · Cost-effective and Sensitive DNA Methylation Profiling for Advancing Single-Cell Epigenomics

Epigenetic dysregulation is a key contributor to numerous major diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions, underscoring the critical need for scalable and cost-effective profiling technologies. A central challenge in precision medicine is the heterogeneity in patient responses to treatment, which is influenced by inter-individual epigenetic variability. DNA methylation, a fundamental epigenetic modification, plays a central role in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic outcomes. However, existing methylation profiling methods, such as whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and affinity-based enrichment approaches, are hindered by high costs, technical complexity, and DNA degradation associated with harsh chemical treatments. To overcome these limitations, we developed MeTLAND, an innovative enzyme-based DNA methylation profiling method that enables efficient and selective detection of methylated regions in a single-step reaction. This streamlined, single-step workflow significantly reduces sample processing time, degradation, and cost. Designed to be broadly compatible with established genomics platforms, MeTLAND also supports integration with other epigenomic assays, facilitating multimodal data generation. Its compatibility with bulk, single-cell, and spatial epigenomic applications further enhances its versatility. With the global epigenomics market valued at $17 billion, MeTLAND addresses the growing need for accessible, high-sensitivity methylation profiling, positioning it as a transformative tool for both research and clinical applications.