EpiMOLAS

EpiMOLAS performs genome-wide DNA methylation analysis from whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data and integrates methylation summaries with gene annotation databases to support epigenomic interpretation.

Key Features:

• Integrated WGBS workflow: Uses Galaxy workflows to process raw WGBS data, calculate methylation levels, and generate mtable summary files.
• Containerization (DocMethyl): Encapsulates the computational environment in a Docker image named DocMethyl to manage software dependencies and preserve execution environments.
• EpiMOLAS_web data integration: Links mtable files with gene annotation databases to enable genomic-context analyses of methylation patterns.
• Reproducibility: Combines standardized workflows and containerization to enable reproducible analyses of user-generated and public WGBS datasets.

Scientific Applications:

• Epigenomic profiling: Enables genome-wide characterization of DNA methylation landscapes from WGBS data.
• Gene regulation studies: Supports investigation of DNA methylation roles in gene regulation by integrating methylation summaries with gene annotations.
• Developmental epigenetics: Supports analyses of methylation dynamics during development.
• Disease epigenetics: Supports identification and interpretation of disease-associated methylation changes and epigenetic contributions to complex traits and conditions.

Methodology:

Two-phase approach: Phase 1 uses Galaxy workflows within the Docker container DocMethyl to process raw WGBS data, calculate methylation levels, and generate mtable files; Phase 2 uploads mtable files to the EpiMOLAS_web server for integration with gene annotation databases and downstream analysis.