The analysis of methylated DNA sequences in two developmental stages of Drosophila melanogaster.

The DNA sample from embryonic stages (Stages 12-16/8-14 hours after egg-laying) and 1-3 day old adult males from D. melanogaster were used for precipitation of methylated DNA fragments. The precipitation was performed using antibody against 5mC. This methylated fraction of the DNA was sequenced on the Illumina Hi-seq Platform and aligned with the reference Drosophila genome to identify the methylated regions. The two stages used for comparison were the late embryo stages (stages 12-16/8-14 hours after egg laying) and the 1-3 days old adult males. The comparison of methylated regions between the two life cycle stages can provide useful insight into the possible role of DNA methylation in Drosophila development.