Oxford Nanopore teams up with UK Biobank on epigenetic dataset

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Oxford Nanopore Technologies and UK Biobank have announced the creation of the world's first comprehensive, large-scale epigenetic dataset. This initiative aims to unlock crucial insights into the mechanisms of diseases such as cancer, dementia, and other complex conditions by mapping the epigenome of 50,000 participant samples. ????

The project leverages Oxford Nanopore's advanced DNA/RNA sequencing technology, which provides a detailed view of up to 98% of the epigenetic methylation markers across the genome. This level of detail is unprecedented compared to traditional methods, which capture only a small fraction of these markers. By directly sequencing native DNA/RNA, Oxford Nanopore's technology preserves all methylated bases, enabling richer insights into disease mechanisms. ????

This collaboration aims to capture the full spectrum of the epigenome, providing researchers with invaluable data to understand how diseases develop and progress. The dataset will focus on predominantly healthy participants, offering a baseline for disease studies and supporting the creation of population-level risk profiles. ??????

This initiative builds upon a strategic partnership between UK Biobank, Genomics England, and NHS England , driving biomedical research forward and uncovering novel genomic signatures in cancer, human genetic disease, and infectious disease. The publicly available data will serve as a unique resource for the scientific community, bringing new opportunities to advance our understanding of genomics and improve patient outcomes. ????

This project represents a significant leap forward in epigenetics research, with the potential to transform health outcomes through early detection, precise diagnoses, and personalized treatment for major diseases. ????

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