Mapping human tissues with 6-base sequencing

5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), often referred to as the fifth and sixth DNA bases, exhibit distinct tissue-specific distributions and can serve as molecular fingerprints. Using 6-base sequencing with duet evoC, a multiomic platform capable of simultaneously detecting all four canonical DNA bases alongside 5mC and 5hmC, researchers can comprehensively profile the 6-base genome across multiple tissues.

Data analysis with Biomodal’s XPLR software reveals biologically relevant structures within the methylation landscape. Differential methylation region (DMR) analysis further identifies tissue-specific 5mC and 5hmC patterns linked to key pathways and regulatory programs, providing deeper insight into epigenetic regulation and tissue identity.