CUTANA™ DNA Methylation
Sequencing Services

Your partner for premium methylation mapping services

EpiCypher provides next-generation tools for DNA methylation sequencing, offering innovative alternatives to traditional bisulfite-based methods.  Our services provide unique access to our genomic expertise, enabling diverse applications across biomedical research and drug development. As our partner, you can expect:

Not sure which DNA methylation strategy is right for you? Start with our blog on DNA methylation mapping methods, or contact our team for personalized guidance.

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Find the Right DNA Methylation Profiling Assay for Your Project

Not sure which assay is right for you?

Tell us about your project:

FAQs about our DNA Methylation Sequencing Services

Each assay provides a different level of insight depending on your project needs:

  • meCUT&RUN is a cost-effective CUT&RUN-based method for genome-wide 5mC profiling, delivering broad CpG coverage with low sequencing requirements. We offer two library prep formats: standard meCUT&RUN, which provides an overview of 5mC enrichment throughout the genome, and meCUT&RUN-EM, which uses enzymatic conversion to deliver base-pair–resolution methylation maps.
  • Multiomic CUT&RUN goes a step further by mapping DNA methylation together with chromatin proteins (e.g., transcription factors, histone PTMs), enabling base-resolution methylation analysis specifically at targeted protein binding sites.
  • Fiber-seq provides a long-read, single-molecule view of native DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and genetic variation in one experiment—ideal for resolving complex regions, allele-specific regulation, and chromatin structure at unprecedented resolution.

Your choice depends on the depth of insight you need and the types of samples you’re working with.

Our CUT&RUN-based DNA methylation assays are ideal if you want low-cost, low-input alternatives to bisulfite sequencing. They offer flexibility for either genome-wide profiling (meCUT&RUN) or targeted methylation analysis (Multiomic CUT&RUN). If your project requires a more comprehensive view of regulatory biology, Fiber-seq is a long-ready sequencing assay that maps native DNA methylation together with chromatin accessibility, protein footprints, and genetic variants at single-DNA molecule resolution, making it the best choice for resolving complex or heterogeneous samples.

Not sure which option is right for your project? Reach out to our team using the form above—we’d be happy to help you decide.

The figure below compares meCUT&RUN to Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS), a targeted DNA methylation sequencing strategy. While RRBS provides sparse, biased coverage due to its enzymatic digestion and size-selection steps, meCUT&RUN delivers genome-wide signal with low sequencing requirements and base-pair resolution. In addition, meCUT&RUN captures 5mCs across a broad range of functional elements.

Figure: CUTANA™ meCUT&RUN was paired with enzymatic conversion to thoroughly evaluate its performance against targeted bisulfite-conversion assays (RRBS) and whole-genome, enzymatic-based approaches (EM-seq; 300 M reads) in K562 cells. (A) Representative sequencing tracks. (B) Percent 5mC coverage calculated relative to EM-seq.

Traditional multiomic DNA methylation approaches combine chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) with whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) datasets. However, these workflows are cost-prohibitive, require large numbers of cells, and take weeks (or longer) to complete.

Multiomic CUT&RUN streamlines this process by generating DNA methylation profiles specifically at protein-bound regions. This powerful approach produces high-quality genomic maps for transcription factor binding sites, histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), and chromatin-modifying enzymes, while simultaneously revealing differential DNA methylation patterns, such as hypermethylation at gene bodies and hypomethylation at promoters.

Figure: Multiomic CUT&RUN provides base-pair resolution of CpG methylation at transcription factor binding sites, histone PTMs, and chromatin-modifying enzymes. Each reaction used 500,000 K562 cells. Target chromatin was enriched with the Multiomic CUT&RUN Workflow, followed by Enzymatic Methyl-seq (EM-seq) conversion and library prep.

Fiber-seq links genetic variants to epigenetic features in a single assay, providing a complete picture of chromatin architecture. The method uses a methyltransferase (Hia5) to label accessible adenines by methylating them, creating N6-methyladenine (6mA), effectively “stenciling” chromatin accessibility onto DNA. Next, long-read technologies such as Pacific Biosciences® (PacBio®) HiFi or Oxford Nanopore Technologies® (ONT) sequencing detect both the stenciled 6mA and endogenous DNA methylation, producing multiomic data along individual DNA molecules.  

Fiber-seq data showing its capability to detect open chromatin (marked by 6mA) and DNA methylation (5mC) in human leukemia cells. ATAC-seq and CTCF CUT&RUN data are shown for comparison.
Figure 1: CUTANA™ Fiber-seq simultaneously detects open chromatin (marked by N6-methyladenine; 6mA) and DNA methylation (5mC) in human leukemia (K562) cells. The figure compares these results with ATAC-seq and CTCF CUT&RUN data. CTCF is a DNA-binding protein that regulates chromatin structure and is often enriched at open chromatin regions. Each horizontal line in the Fiber-seq panel represents a single long read, providing single-DNA molecule data from 60 individual chromatin fibers.

Because Fiber-seq directly profiles individual DNA molecules, it provides far higher resolution for detecting protein footprints than ATAC-seq—capturing transcription factors, nucleosomes, and even RNA polymerase II, all without the need for antibodies. Unlike ATAC-seq, Fiber-seq does not require averaging signals across a population of cells, revealing chromatin heterogeneity that bulk methods miss.

Fiber-seq data demonstrating superior protein footprinting of CTCF compared to ATAC-seq.
Figure 2: (A) Fiber-seq data from 30 individual DNA molecules are shown, with the top track displaying aggregate 6mA signal marking open chromatin. Each horizontal line below this track represents a single DNA molecule. Dotted boxes indicate CTCF motif regions. Because Fiber-seq provides single-molecule resolution, heterogeneity in protein binding across the cell population is revealed (the leftmost boxed region shows variable 6mA labeling, suggesting differential CTCF occupancy). (B) Genome-wide 6mA signal from this Fiber-seq experiment demonstrates robust footprinting of CTCF sites. Elevated 6mA levels flanking the motif midpoint reflect accessible DNA surrounding CTCF binding sites.

Our CUT&RUN Service protocols are optimized for freshly isolated and frozen cells or nuclei from various sources. For certain targets, such as labile histone lysine acetylation PTMs or acetyl-binding proteins, light cross-linking may be recommended. EpiCypher has successfully used our automated CUT&RUN assays for a variety of sample types and cell preparations, including:

  • Suspension and adherent cell lines
  • Drug-treated or stimulated cells
  • Primary cells, including immune cells
  • FACS-isolated cells
  • Samples generated from tissue (including frozen patient biopsies)
  • Clinical samples (PBMCs, BMMCs)

We provide detailed sample prep protocols and shipment instructions. For tissues, we can provide expert guidance on the best strategies for isolating cells.

Unfortunately, our CUT&RUN processes are not yet optimized for fixed tissues embedded in paraffin blocks (e.g. FFPE). Contact us to learn more about ongoing research efforts or alternate offerings to support this application.

For projects requiring long-read, single-molecule analysis, Fiber-seq offers broad sample compatibility and has been successfully applied to human cell lines, primary cells, plants, yeast, and non-model organisms. Reach out to our team to discuss whether Fiber-seq is the right fit for your project.

For CUTANA CUT&RUN experiments, we recommend using 500,000 to 50,000 cells per reaction.*

Note that each reaction maps one target in one sample. Samples are unique cell populations, such as control vs. mutant or biological replicates.

If you have one cell sample, and you want to map three unique chromatin targets, you will be setting up three reactions – and thus require 1.5 million cells. We always suggest collecting 10-20% excess cells to account for sample loss.

* Our workflow is validated down to 10,000 cells for select targets. Success at low cell numbers depends on antibody performance, target abundance, and sample quality. There are additional risks assumed by going below the recommended cell numbers – such as low yields, increased adapter dimer contamination in libraries, increased background and/or sequencing depth – that may require additional optimization. Our scientists will help you weigh these risks during the experimental design phase of the project.

For Fiber-seq, input requirements differ because the assay relies on long-read sequencing and detection of Hia5-introduced 6mA. We recommend ~1,000,000 fresh nuclei per reaction, starting with ~2 million cells to ensure sufficient recovery after nuclei isolation. Flash-frozen and lightly cross-linked samples are also compatible, though labeling efficiency may vary slightly. Inputs below 1M nuclei are not yet validated. When working with non-human samples, keep in mind that genome size affects input needs—organisms with smaller genomes require proportionally more nuclei to match the total DNA content of 1 million human nuclei, ensuring robust labeling and sufficient DNA for long-read sequencing.

If you’re unsure how much material you’ll need, our team is happy to help you determine the optimal input for your specific sample type and assay.

CUTANA™ Multiomic CUT&RUN maps chromatin proteins and DNA methylation together in a single reaction.
 

The EpiCypher Services Team has experience mapping various targets:

  • Transcription factors (e.g. CTCF, FOXA1, p53, c-Jun)
  • Chromatin remodeling enzymes (e.g. SMARCA2/BRM and SMARCA4/BRG1)
  • Histone modifying enzymes and regulators (e.g. MLL1, EZH2, BRD4, Menin)
  • Histone PTMs (methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination)

As a result, we have a broad catalog of target-specific antibodies demonstrating exceptional performance in CUT&RUN. We are also highly skilled in sourcing and validating antibodies to new targets. Antibody screening is offered as part of our Services and can be incorporated into your Statement of Work.

We work with every service partner to tailor our analysis to your needs. EpiCypher uses our bioinformatics pipeline to analyze sequencing data. At our data delivery meeting, we review preliminary data visualization at customer-identified target loci and all quality control checks (outlined above) to illustrate experimental success. We coordinate handoff of raw sequencing data, alignment files, bigWig files, and called peaks by SharePoint or Amazon Web Services. Files can be immediately used to visualize data, perform downstream analyses (e.g. differential enrichment), and derive biological insights in your lab. 

To see a sample data report, email [email protected]

CUTANA DNA Methylation Sequencing Service timelines vary, depending on assay(s) used, sample prep quality, number of samples, and if antibody screening is required. Once samples are delivered to EpiCypher and have passed our quality control checks and risk assessment, it typically takes ~6 weeks to deliver data.
Ask our team about ongoing efforts to profile DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility and more, as well as access precious clinical samples including liquid biopsies and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. See a few of our other Services offerings below.
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