Add BrightSurf on Google Email

DNA methylation: The hidden mechanism enabling plants to adapt in a warmer world

A recent study found that temperature variations during asexual propagation induce significant hereditary epigenetic and phenotypic modifications in Fragaria vesca ecotypes. DNA methylation patterns play a crucial role in this process, with noticeable differences between 18℃ and 28℃ conditions.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Better distinguish chronic inflammation and cancer of the pancreas

Scientists have identified a DNA methylation pattern that can accurately diagnose pancreatic cancer, distinguishing it from chronic pancreatitis. The marker, which involves six specific methylation positions in the PRKCB gene, has been validated on tissue and blood samples, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Study links epigenetic changes to historic trauma in Alaska Native communities

Researchers found specific epigenetic differences among Alaska Native participants who experienced intense symptoms of distress when reflecting on historic losses. Individuals with strong cultural identity reported better well-being. The study is the result of a close collaboration between scientists and members of two Alaska Native co...

How plants pass down genetic memories

Researchers have discovered how plants pass along chemical markers that instruct cells on using DNA codes, a process known as epigenetic inheritance. The study reveals the role of protein DDM1 in making way for enzymes that add regulatory marks to new DNA strands, preserving genetic controls across generations.

5mC DNA methylation modification-mediated regulation in tissue functional differentiation and important flavor substance synthesis of tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.)

This study reveals that 5mC DNA methylation modification regulates tissue functional differentiation and important flavor substance synthesis in tea plants. The researchers found that hypomethylation of specific genes is responsible for the production of theanine in roots.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

Global consortium creates large-scale, cross-species database and universal ‘clock’ to estimate age in all mammalian tissues

A global consortium of researchers has developed a large-scale, cross-species database and universal 'clock' to estimate age in all mammalian tissues. The study found that changes in DNA methylation levels are closely associated with life span and numerous other traits across mammals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Professor Kunsong Chen's team in Zhejiang University has made a new progress in strawberry fruit flavor quality

A study published in Horticulture Research found that DNA methylation affects furanone accumulation through regulation of QUINONE OXIDOREDUCTASE in strawberries. This discovery provides new insights into the metabolic regulation network of plant volatiles and offers a basis for improving fruit flavor quality.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2023

Transcription factors contribute to subtypes of colorectal cancers

Researchers found that expression of transcription factors contributes to different subtypes of colorectal cancers. The degree of DNA methylation varies across tissue types, with some cancers having high and others low frequency of methylation gains. Studying transcription factor expression may help determine overall survival in patien...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2023

New, precise, and efficient DNA sequencing method may lead to easier testing and earlier cancer detection

Researchers have developed a new DNA sequencing method that allows for precise mapping of 5-methylcytosine, a key regulator of gene expression. This technique, called Direct Methylation Sequencing (DM-Seq), enables scientists to profile DNA using small samples and without damaging the sample, making it suitable for liquid biopsies and ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 15, 2023

New algorithm can predict diabetic kidney disease

Researchers developed a computational approach to predict diabetic kidney disease using DNA methylation markers from a blood sample. The model can use this information to assess current and future kidney function, enabling early detection and prevention of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2023

New test could help identify type 2 diabetes risk

Researchers used DNA methylation data alongside traditional risk factors to improve prediction accuracy for type 2 diabetes. The study, involving over 14,600 participants, found that the new approach correctly predicted an extra 449 individuals, leading to potential preventative measures and reduced health burden.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Aging·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2023

Epigenetic fingerprint as proof of origin for chicken, shrimp and salmon

Scientists at DKFZ developed a new detection method that analyzes epigenetic fingerprints to determine animal origin. The method uses DNA sequencing to identify chemical markers on the genome, allowing researchers to distinguish between free-range organic chicken, factory-farmed chicken, and other species.

Post-COVID syndrome visible in DNA

Researchers found epigenetic changes in post-COVID patients, including genes associated with taste and smell, as well as cell metabolism. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostic tools for this and similar diseases.

SourceLinköping University·JournalClinical Epigenetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Cocaine addiction makes the brain age faster, suggests study

Researchers have discovered that cocaine addiction is associated with faster brain aging, with changes in DNA methylation in the prefrontal cortex contributing to this effect. The study, which analyzed cryo-preserved brains of deceased male donors, found that cells in this region appeared biologically older in individuals with CUD.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Argonaute protein slicing and retention of RNA fragments plays a role in the chemical modification of DNA for gene silencing

A team led by Dr. Feng Wang found that Argonaute 4 binds to and retains snippets of ribonucleic acid molecules guiding the chemical inactivation of genes with matching sequences, playing a crucial role in gene silencing through DNA methylation. The retained RNA fragments help tether AGO4-RNA complexes to corresponding DNA sequences, bo...

SourceIndiana University·JournalGenes & Development·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

From octopus to elephant: a molecular zoo of epigenetics

Scientists have mapped and analyzed DNA methylation profiles in 580 different animal species, providing insights into the evolutionary conservation of epigenetic mechanisms. The study reveals that DNA methylation constitutes a cancer-protective mechanism in large animals with long lifespans, contradicting Peto's paradox.

Study identifies molecular differences between primary breast cancer and its metastases

The study found that methylation of the HLA-A gene and focal deletions resulted in reduced immune cell activity against cancer cells, leading to fewer immune cells being available to attack cancer cells. The researchers also discovered differences in immune cell response between various sites of metastasis.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023

Aging | Epigenetic aging is associated with aberrant neural oscillatory dynamics serving visuospatial processing in people with HIV

A new study finds epigenetic aging is associated with aberrant neural oscillatory dynamics serving visuospatial processing in people with HIV. Participants showed accelerated biological age and different brain activity patterns compared to controls, suggesting a link between biological aging and neural function in PWH.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Aging | DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging and cognitive decline over 16-years: preliminary longitudinal findings in midlife

A 16-year longitudinal study found associations between DNA methylation-based measures and neuropsychologically-validated cognitive decline in midlife. The results suggest that these measures may serve as biomarkers for a molecular aging mechanism, potentially identifying individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

Aging | DNA methylation GrimAge version 2

Researchers developed a new epigenetic biomarker, GrimAge version 2, which leverages two DNAm-based estimators of plasma proteins to predict mortality risk. The study found that GrimAge 2 outperforms existing clinical biomarkers in predicting mortality across multiple racial/ethnic groups and associations with age-related conditions.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2022

Screening a puppy’s DNA methylome may help predict how energetic or fearful they will be

Researchers found that differences in epigenetic DNA methylation predict behavioral differences between dogs better than genetic markers. Epigenetics are more informative for behavior than genetics, and the results open up new possibilities for screening and selecting desired behavioral traits in companion or service dogs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Mice show METTL in DNA blood repair

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered METTL16's role in DNA repair and erythropoiesis, a process generating 200 billion new red blood cells daily. Tiny methyl groups on specific mRNAs play a pivotal role in this process, involving mechanisms mediated by RNA-binding proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

New study provides a unique resource for understanding how environmental exposures in early life affect our health

Researchers have developed a unique resource for understanding the impact of early life environmental exposures on health. The study, which analyzed data from 1,301 mother-child pairs, identified associations between 92 in pregnancy and 116 in childhood with molecular profiles at different levels.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Is weakness the new smoking? Muscle strength tied to biological age, study shows

Researchers at Michigan Medicine found a strong association between lower grip strength and accelerated biological aging in middle-aged and older adults. This study provides evidence that maintaining muscle strength across the lifespan may help protect against age-related diseases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022

On the trail of missing genes and cancer clues

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a direct link between TET protein loss of function and missing genes in embryonic stem cells, which can lead to cancer growth. The study found that TET proteins are crucial for maintaining genome stability, and their loss results in aneuploidies, a common feature of cancer cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022