Development of a Handheld DNA Methylation Meter

Project Description:
DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that is involved with the regulation of gene expression within human cells and is known to be a major drive of cell differentiation during human development. Recent studies have revealed that DNA methylation is regulated during disease progression and ageing. Interestingly, DNA methylation measurements from blood and urine can be used a quantitative measure of biological age which is associated with overall healthiness. Assessment of DNA methylation levels in human samples typically requires special laboratory equipment that is expensive, limited in availability and requires molecular biology training to operate. And while there is evidence that DNA methylation trajectories (epigenetic drift) in blood can be altered through dieting, there are no technology that allow personalized measurements of DNA methylation levels at home in real-time.

The objective of this project is to develop a low-cost handheld device that is capable of robust molecular readout of cytosine methylation levels from biological specimens (e.g., blood droplet, urine and saliva). The assay should be designed for in-home, off-the-shelf use by individuals without previous molecular biology training.

Project Mentor:
Engineering Mentor: Tim Downing, PhD, Department of Biomedical Engineering, UCI, tim.downing@uci.edu
Physician Mentor: None

Team Members:

Calvin Harris Belcher, Mark Vincent Furog Go, Brian Jin Kee Ligh, Lisa Nguyen, Oscar Sanchez, Nicholas Taylor Redor Tolentino