Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Adenosine therapy reduces seizures and progression of epilepsy

Researchers have discovered that adenosine therapy can reduce seizures and slow the progression of epilepsy by targeting epigenetic changes in the brain. By delivering adenosine directly to the brain, scientists were able to reverse DNA hypermethylation, which is a key factor in the development of epilepsy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2013

Unique epigenomic code identified during human brain development

A new study by Salk scientists reveals that the landscape of DNA methylation in brain cells is highly dynamic during brain circuitry formation, helping to understand how information in the genome is controlled from fetal development to adulthood. The discovery opens a deeper understanding of how intricate patterns of connectivity in th...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

Mapping the embryonic epigenome

A large research team elucidated how precise chemical modifications across the genome turn genes on and off during early human development. The study found that master genes governing development are silenced by histone methylation, while genes orchestrating cellular differentiation are primarily silenced by DNA methylation.

New clues in hunt for heredity in type 2 diabetes

A new study by Lund University researchers has found that epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, can influence the function of insulin-producing cells and alter genetic risk variants for type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that these modifications may play a key role in the development of the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateMar 19, 2013

Tying our fate to molecular markings

A Simon Fraser University physicist has discovered a link between variable methylation in DNA and various attributes such as age, gender, stress, and socioeconomic status. The study found that childhood poverty left a detectable molecular mark on an individual's DNA, which correlated with gene expression.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2012

Epigenetic causes of prostate cancer

Researchers found that fusion-negative prostate cancers have different DNA methylation patterns than healthy cells, with increased EZH2 enzyme activity. This discovery may lead to more specific treatments and improved diagnosis for prostate cancer patients.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCancer Discovery·DateSep 5, 2012

Planting the seeds of defense

Scientists discovered that exposure to pathogens causes significant changes in a plant's epigenetic code, which helps the plant develop resistance. These epigenetic changes are linked to genes responsible for coordinating stress responses, suggesting the epigenome plays a role in disease resistance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2012

Gene regulator in brain's executive hub tracked across lifespan -- NIH study

A new NIH study reveals that certain genes implicated in schizophrenia and autism show increased regulatory activity during a critical period of development, influenced by environmental factors. This discovery highlights the importance of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation in shaping brain function and behavior.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2012

Epigenetic changes don't last

Scientists discovered that epigenetic modifications in plants, such as DNA methylation, are unstable and often disappear after a few generations. These changes can occur frequently but usually do not contribute significantly to long-term evolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateSep 20, 2011

Are genes our destiny?

Researchers at Salk Institute discover a "hidden" code linked to DNA that allows plants to develop and pass down new biological traits rapidly. The epigenetic code is found to evolve more quickly than the genetic code and strongly influence biological traits.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 16, 2011

Hopkins team discovers how DNA changes

Researchers identified a step-by-step process involving TET1 and Apobec1 that converts methylated cytosine into hydroxymethylated cytosine, indicating a potential unified mechanism for DNA methylation status change. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases associated with epigenetic abnormality.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 14, 2011

Insight offers new angle of attack on variety of brain tumors

A new research paper published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reveals a genetic mutation that leads to abnormal metabolic processes in gliomas, potentially leading to targeted therapies. The study shows that almost all tumors with IDH mutations have the same methylation pattern.

SourceBrown University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 15, 2010