How does RRBS compare to other DNA methylation techniques?

RRBS focuses on CpG-rich regions, reducing the amount of sequencing compared to whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), which sequences the entire genome. RRBS also requires only small amounts of DNA (e.g., 10 ng), making it suitable for studies with limited sample availability. By sequencing only a fraction of the genome, RRBS reduces sequencing costs compared to WGBS. RRBS may not capture small differences in methylation or regions that are not included in the selected fragments, leading to lower resolution compared to WGBS. Additionally, RRBS may miss methylation in repetitive DNA elements. Moreover, RRBS involves more intricate library preparation and sequencing procedures compared to traditional bisulfite sequencing methods.