TY - JOUR A1 - Heck, C. A1 - Michaeli, Y. A1 - Bald, Ilko A1 - Ebenstein, Y. T1 - Analytical epigenetics: single-molecule optical detection of DNA and histone modiļ¬cations JF - Current Opinion in Biotechnology N2 - The field of epigenetics describes the relationship between genotype and phenotype, by regulating gene expression without changing the canonical base sequence of DNA. It deals with molecular genomic information that is encoded by a rich repertoire of chemical modifications and molecular interactions. This regulation involves DNA, RNA and proteins that are enzymatically tagged with small molecular groups that alter their physical and chemical properties. It is now clear that epigenetic alterations are involved in development and disease, and thus, are the focus of intensive research. The ability to record epigenetic changes and quantify them in rare medical samples is critical for next generation diagnostics. Optical detection offers the ultimate single-molecule sensitivity and the potential for spectral multiplexing. Here we review recent progress in ultrasensitive optical detection of DNA and histone modifications. KW - Epigenetics KW - Fluorescence KW - SERS PY - 2019 UR - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095816691830082X DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2018.09.006 SN - 0958-1669 VL - 55 SP - 151 EP - 158 PB - Elsevier AN - OPUS4-46680 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -