Micro- and Nanotechnologies

Next Generation Precision Epigenetic Analyses via Automated Droplet Microfluidics

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  Ryan Bailey, PhD

  Professor
  University of Michigan -

Insights into epigenetics and chromatin dynamics have profoundly affected our understanding of biological processes including development, aging, complex diseases and oncogenesis, providing a more comprehensive view than could be ascertained by considering information from genetic or gene expression studies alone. Importantly, a pipeline of new therapeutics is emerging that directly target epigenetic modifications or the enzymes that install these modification. Therefore, detection of genome-associated protein complexes, as well as histone post-translational modifications and positioning, are crucial for developing of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. However, the methods utilized in the research laboratory are not at present readily translatable to clinical applications. We are developing a suite of droplet microfluidic components that can be integrated into a robust and automated platform supporting chromatin immunoprecipitation and nucleosome footprinting. The ability to perform these assays with high reproducibility and minimal sample input requirements is poised to enable the clinical realization of personalized epigenetics.