Coverage recommendations for methylation analysis by whole genome bisulfite sequencing

Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) allows genome-wide DNA methylation profiling but the associated high sequencing costs continue to limit its widespread application. We utilized several high coverage reference data sets to experimentally determine minimal sequencing requirements. Here, we present data derived recommendations for minimum sequencing depth for WGBS libraries, highlight what is gained with increasing coverage and discuss the trade off between sequencing depth and number of assayed replicates.