Genomic DNA was isolated using the DNeasy Blood and Tissue kit (Qiagen, Ontario, Toronto, Canada). DNA dot blot was performed using a previously described protocol [52], with minor modifications. The DNA blotted membranes were probed with either 5mC or 5hmC antibody (Tables 3 and 4). Total DNA levels were detected by staining the same membrane with 0.02% methylene blue (MB) in 0.3 μM sodium acetate (pH 5.2). Adobe Photoshop CS5 software was used to quantify dot blot signals.