Spreadsheet-based program for the analysis of DNA methylation

Methylation of DNA in CpG dense regions of gene promoters (CpG islands) is important for transcriptional inactivation of selective genes in normal and neoplastic cells. Here, rte present a spreadsheet-based program adapted fr om Microsoft(R) Excel(R) that is useful for identifying CpG islands and for assisting in the laboratory analysis of DNA Methylation of these regions. Upon execution of the program, a customized workbook analyzes an entered DN A sequence for the total number and percentage cytosine and guanine nucleot ides, the total number and percentage of CpG sires, and a CpG:GpC ratio. Th e program also displays the distribution of CpG sites in a visual format as well as in two different graphical formats. Finally the program assists in laboratory studies of DNA methylation that employ bisulfite modification o f DNA by displaying methylation-dependent effects of bisulfite treatment on DNA sequences.