Direct Bisulfite-Free Detection of 5-Methylcytosine by Using Electrochemical Measurements Aided by a Monoclonal Antibody

The detection of the epigenetic DNA marker 5-methylcytosine (5mC) has been the focus of intense research. Here, we report a new detection method, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electrochemical microscopy, and voltammetric measurements on gold electrodes. The direct, label-free detection of 5mC at different positions within dsDNA is achieved with the aid of a monoclonal anti-5mC antibody, providing a new tool to monitor nucleic acid modifications.