Question 1: Experimental Application of DNA Methylation Mapping Scenario: You are investigating a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene, Gene-X, which you suspect is silenced in prostate cancer. You have access to patient tumor biopsies and matching normal tissue. Task: Describe an experimental approach using methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes (e.g., HpaII and MspI) to determine the methylation status of Gene-X’s promoter. Explain how you would interpret the resulting bands on a southern blot to confirm epigenetic silencing in the tumor versus the normal tissue.
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