CimpleG: finding simple CpG methylation signatures

DNA methylation signatures are usually based on multivariate approaches that require hundreds of sites for predictions. Here, we propose a computational framework named CimpleG for the detection of small CpG methylation signatures used for cell-type classification and deconvolution. We show that CimpleG is both time efficient and performs as well as top performing methods for cell-type classification of blood cells and other somatic cells, while basing its prediction on a single DNA methylation site per cell type. Altogether, CimpleG provides a complete computational framework for the delineation of DNAm signatures and cellular deconvolution.

Automated summary

CimpleG is a computational framework for detecting small CpG methylation signatures used for cell-type classification and deconvolution. It performs as well as top performing methods for cell-type classification and is time efficient, utilizing only a single DNA methylation site per cell type. CimpleG provides a comprehensive computational framework for delineating DNAm signatures and cellular deconvolution.