RoAM: computational reconstruction of ancient methylomes and identification of differentially methylated regions

Abstract

We present a new and considerably improved version of RoAM (Reconstruction of Ancient Methylation), a flexible tool for reconstructing ancient methylomes and identifying differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between populations. Through a series of filtering and quality control steps, RoAM produces highly reliable DNA methylation maps, making it a valuable tool for paleoepigenomics studies. We apply RoAM to pre-and post-Neolithic transition Balkan samples, and uncover DMRs in genes related to sugar metabolism. Notably, we observe post-Neolithic hypermethylation of PTPRN2, a regulator of insulin secretion. These results are compatible with hypoinsulinism in pre-Neolithic hunter-gatherers. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-025-03702-7.