DNA Methyltransferase & Demethylase Assays

DNA methyltransferase and demethylase activity assays for DNMT and TET enzymes

When you need to measure the activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, 3A, 3B) and demethylases (TET1, 2, 3), this section covers colorimetric, fluorometric, ELISA, and radiometric activity assays. Both forward and reverse reactions supported.

Pick by enzyme and substrate.

1. Enzyme. DNMT1 versus DNMT3A versus DNMT3B; isoform selectivity matters in drug profiling.
2. Substrate. Hemimethylated DNA for DNMT1. Unmethylated CpG for DNMT3A/B. Nucleosomal versus oligonucleotide substrates affect inhibitor profiles.
3. Readout. Colorimetric fastest. Fluorometric most sensitive. ELISA-based for endpoint quantification.
4. Screen suitability. Z-prime above 0.5 and DMSO tolerance are prerequisites.
5. Drug discovery. Counter-screen against multiple DNMT isoforms; selective versus broad-spectrum DNMT inhibitors have different toxicity profiles.

EpigenTek dominates EpiQuik DNMT and TET assay kits.