Scientists use genomic tools to create maps of DNA methylation

(PhysOrg.com) -- Much of the field of stem cell biology and development
remains uncharted territory. Just as famous explorers and astronomers mapped
out landmasses and constellations, researchers are working fervently to
chart the molecular landscapes within stem cells - especially embryonic stem
cells. A clearer understanding of the cells' unique properties, particularly
their ability to give rise to nearly any type of cell, could unlock
fundamental questions about biology and may even spur novel ways to treat
disease.

A team of researchers at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT has helped
break new ground in stem cell research through work described in two recent
Nature papers. The most recently published study, appearing in the July 6
advance online issue, involves an effort to map regions of cells' genomes
marked by DNA methylation - one of several so-called 'epigenetic'
modifications.