easyEWAS

easyEWAS conducts epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) and downstream analyses for DNA methylation-based research using Illumina DNA methylation Beadchips.

Key Features:

• Differential Methylation Position Analysis: Provides a battery of statistical methods to support differential methylation position analysis across various scenarios.
• Differential Methylation Region Analysis: Performs differential methylation region analysis based on the DMRcate method.
• Functional Annotation: Provides comprehensive functional annotation functionalities to facilitate result interpretation.
• Result Visualization: Provides comprehensive result visualization functionalities.
• Internal Validation: Incorporates a bootstrap-based internal validation to ensure the robustness of EWAS results.

Scientific Applications:

• DNA Methylation Research: Simplifies and streamlines the conduction of EWAS and corresponding downstream analyses in public health and clinical settings.
• Disease Association Studies: Identifies intrinsic DNA methylation modifications associated with environmental exposure, diseases, and health traits, as demonstrated in asthma patients.

Methodology:

easyEWAS integrates state-of-the-art EWAS analysis methods and tools, including statistical methods for differential methylation position analysis, the DMRcate method for differential methylation region analysis, and bootstrap-based internal validation.