Novel mcPCR Technology to Transform Testing of Clinical Samples

DNA methylation is an important biological marker used in the diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases, including cancer. These chemical modifications to DNA influence gene activity and can reveal early signs of disease. However, analyzing methylation patterns in clinical samples has long been challenging because many diagnostic samples contain extremely small amounts of DNA. Now, a new technology aims to overcome these limitations by allowing DNA methylation patterns to be copied and amplified with high accuracy.

Syndex Bio (Cambridge, UK) has introduced a method called methyl-copying PCR (mcPCR). The platform preserves DNA methylation marks during amplification, enabling detailed analysis of epigenetic information alongside the underlying genetic sequence. Traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques amplify DNA sequences but cannot reliably replicate methylation patterns. This limitation makes it difficult to analyze epigenetic biomarkers in small or non-invasive samples.

In the mcPCR process, DNA is amplified using standard polymerase-driven extension cycles similar to conventional PCR. However, after each extension step, proprietary methyltransferase enzymes copy methylation marks—specifically 5-methylcytosine (5mC)—onto newly synthesized DNA strands. This approach ensures that both the genetic code and the original methylation patterns of the template DNA are preserved throughout the amplification process. As a result, researchers can analyze methylation signals even when starting with extremely small amounts of DNA.

The mcPCR platform is designed for high-throughput processing and can integrate with downstream genomic and multi-omic analyses. By enabling accurate amplification of methylated DNA, the method may improve the detection of epigenetic biomarkers in clinical samples, particularly in non-invasive tests such as liquid biopsies or small tissue biopsies used for early disease detection. Researchers believe the technology could enhance diagnostic sensitivity in cancer screening, recurrence monitoring, and studies of chronic diseases where DNA methylation plays a key role.

“Syndex Bio’s mcPCR platform makes amplifying DNA methylation possible for the first time,” said Geoff Smith, PhD, founder and CEO of Syndex Bio. “This powerful method will redefine the sensitivity and accuracy that is achievable in DNA methylation analysis, opening new possibilities for early detection and disease monitoring.”

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