Articles tagged with Epigenetic Markers
A team of researchers from the University of Münster and RIKEN research institute has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for salt tolerance in plants. They found that a particular chemical mark in the 'histone code' plays a crucial role in adapting to salt stress.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed epigenetic drugs that can reprogram perivascular fat cells to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health. By targeting specific gene-expression regulators, these drugs aim to prevent vascular damage in people with obesity and metabolic disease.
A recent study by UAB and IJC reveals that SIRT7 plays a crucial role in maintaining the genome stability of male germ cells. The protein's deficiency during ageing leads to functional decline in sperm quality, causing premature loss of spermatogonia and increased DNA fragmentation.
Researchers developed a DNA methylation-based biomarker associated with arsenic exposure that can predict toxicity risk. The biomarker identified sites in the genome linked to arsenic exposure and showed strong evidence of causal relationships between arsenic exposure and chronic conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found an association between early-onset colorectal cancer and exposure to certain pesticides, particularly picloram. However, experts warn that further investigations are needed to confirm causality and establish a biological mechanism.
A study of 3,000 Punjabi Sikhs identified new molecular pathways contributing to cardiovascular disease, including a link between lipid metabolites and immune cell signaling. These findings offer insights into diverse molecular origins of cardiometabolic disease and potential pathways for designing innovative therapies.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson have made significant advancements in cancer care, including a blood-based biomarker for cancer risk in people with Lynch Syndrome and a new target to sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. The studies also identified a strategy to overcome radiation therapy resistance in lung cancer.
A study published in Cancer Research has identified DPY30 as an epigenetic target that can sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. By modulating DNA replication stress, DPY30 promotes the addition of activation signals at stressed replication forks, supporting cancer cell survival and proliferation.
Research in mice reveals direct gene regulation by alcohol metabolites, with varying effects on brain regions and exposure durations. Short-term exposure influences more genes and epigenetic programs compared to lengthy exposure.
A transcription factor phosphorylation switch, OsAHL23, dynamically balances immune responses and growth in rice. The switch is precisely controlled by the kinase OsMPK5 and phosphatase PP2A-A.
Researchers identified nine piRNAs linked to longevity, which could be detected through simple blood tests. The study suggests that these molecules may help predict survival and guide therapeutic targets for older adults.
A new study suggests blocking key protein p300 can create novel form of cellular stress in cancer cells, re-sensitizing chemo-resistant tumors. Cells produce proteins even with damaged DNA, leading to toxic buildup and stress inside the cell's internal quality-control system.
A recent study found that living in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with biological symptoms of accelerated aging. The researchers also discovered that emotional distress accounts for a significant portion of these effects. Anxiety appeared to be a major mediator between exposure and epigenetic aging.
Researchers at Salk Institute debut an epigenetic catalog that shows genetic inheritance and life experiences have distinct effects on various types of immune cells, shedding light on individual differences in immune responses and potential new personalized therapeutics.
Researchers at Pitt and UPMC Children's Hospital discovered a biomarker of complicated pediatric traumatic brain injury, which may serve as dynamic indicators of post-injury recovery. The study found that children with TBI had a different epigenetic profile compared to those with orthopaedic injuries.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a new mode of epigenetic targeting in plant cells, where specific DNA sequences guide DNA methylation patterns. This finding has major implications for understanding epigenetic regulation and could inform future strategies for epigenetic engineering.
Researchers identified distinct epigenetic signatures in cord blood linked to increased schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Newborns with higher genetic susceptibility showed differences in DNA methylation patterns, especially in immune-related regions.
A study by Meng Wang and her team found that histone modifications can be transferred from parent to offspring through epigenetic changes, enabling the transfer of longevity markers across generations. This mechanism has implications for understanding transgenerational effects beyond longevity.
Researchers have identified a key synergistic role for two epigenetic markers involved in programming cell fate. Turning off these markers causes genes to over-activate, disrupting normal cell development. This discovery may indicate a new target for treating some types of leukemia with drugs already in clinical trials for other cancers.
Scientists at the University of Leicester discovered that jewel wasps can slow down their biological rate of ageing by undergoing a natural 'time-out' as larvae. This pause in development extends lifespan and decelerates the epigenetic clock, tracking chemical changes in DNA.
Research at University of Arizona Health Sciences found PFAS exposure affects gene activity, tied to cancers, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Changes in miRNA activity indicate potential health risks, suggesting a link between environmental exposures and disease.
Researchers successfully modulate the activity of key immune system genes using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, revealing a new approach to treating inflammatory diseases. The study demonstrates precise control over gene expression and its impact on tumour growth and inflammation.
A new study reveals that the weight of fathers during adolescence can harm genes in future children, linked to asthma, obesity, and low lung function. The effect is more pronounced in female children, highlighting a potential vulnerability window for lifestyle influences.
Researchers discovered temperature influences plant cell fate by regulating epigenetic marks. Low ambient temperatures can rescue developmental defects by compensating for PRC2 loss, highlighting the importance of H3K27me3 in maintaining cellular identity.
Researchers found that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines cause persistent epigenetic changes in monocyte-derived macrophages, enabling a sustained immune response. These changes were preserved for six months after vaccination and required multiple doses to maintain long-term immunity.
A new study from Penn State finds that oral tissue samples significantly affect epigenetic clock accuracy, leading to older age estimates. Researchers tested five tissue types and seven epigenetic clocks, concluding that blood-based samples are more accurate in measuring biological age.
A study found that a simple blood test could predict breast cancer risk in older women by measuring biological aging via DNA methylation changes. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity and hormone replacement therapy, also influenced epigenetic aging and breast cancer risk.
CNIO researchers have identified significant inaccuracies in widely used epigenetic clocks, which are now being refined by the team. The new epigenetic clock model provides more accurate measurements, reducing errors by up to 25 years for some tests.
Researchers found that maritime pine seeds retain memories of temperature conditions experienced during embryonic development, influencing gene expression and potentially affecting tree growth. The study suggests epigenetic mechanisms could play a crucial role in helping trees adapt to environmental stressors and climate change.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers has found that epigenetic markers in fat cells can lead to the yo-yo effect, where weight drops but returns. The researchers also found evidence of this mechanism in humans, suggesting that obesity can leave a lasting mark on gene expression.
Exposure to multiple environmental stressors simultaneously impairs the ability of herring larvae to react at a molecular level, reducing their capacity for acclimatization. This can lead to increased protein damage and cell injury, potentially affecting growth and survival.
A recent study by Nara Institute of Science and Technology reveals a new mechanism for dynamic gene silencing and reactivation, highlighting the intricate roles of proteins like SDG7. The research team identified a competitive interaction between SDGs and PRC2 at PREs, allowing for efficient gene activation through H3K36 methylation.
A new study has identified NSD2 as a fundamental factor in early stages of prostate cancer development, found to alter androgen receptor function leading to rapid cell division and growth. The study may suggest a new way to therapeutically target prostate cancer by targeting the epigenetic component NSD2.
Researchers discovered that H3K9 methylation is not a simple 'off switch' but rather a 'dimmer switch' that fine-tunes DNA transcription in thale cresses. The study found that two other proteins, LDL2 and ASHH3, play a crucial role in this process.
A new study has identified a deficit in the placental expression of IGFBP1 and low circulating levels as associated with insulin resistance during pregnancy. The findings suggest that measuring IGFBP1 levels could help identify people at risk of developing gestational diabetes early in pregnancy.
A recent study published in Aging Cell found a balance between naïve and memory immune cells accelerates or slows down biological aging. The team discovered using novel tools for immune profiling, which opened new doors to understanding the relationships between the immune system and biological age.
Researchers found an epigenetic signature in cheek cells of obese twins that differs from their thinner siblings, suggesting a susceptibility to obesity may be written into molecular processes. The discovery could lead to a simple cheek swab test for an obesity biomarker and enable earlier prevention methods.
Researchers at Linköping University developed an AI-based method applicable to various medical and biological issues, accurately estimating people's chronological age and determining smoking status. The models identify previously known epigenetic markers used in other models, but also new markers associated with conditions.
The study reveals MOF's critical role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity through protein acetylation. COX17 is identified as a key target of MOF-mediated acetylation, stimulating its function and regulating oxidative phosphorylation.
A study by Washington State University researchers found epigenetic alterations associated with elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, suggesting a systemic impact. The findings also suggest that the disease may be heritable, raising concerns about its transmission and susceptibility.
A new study reveals that boys who smoke in their early teens may damage the genes of their future children, leading to increased risks of developing asthma, obesity, and low lung function. Researchers investigated epigenetic profiles of 875 people aged 7-50 and found changes associated with fathers' teenage smoking.
A team of researchers at the University of Johannesburg has made a groundbreaking discovery about how tomato plants defend themselves against the devastating ToCSV virus. By studying the molecular genetics of infected tomato varieties, they found that viral DNA methylation plays a crucial role in resistance to ToCSV.
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.
Researchers investigated H3K27me3 expression patterns in pediatric brain tumors, finding a global loss of this epigenetic mark in diffused midline glioma (DMG). This loss was associated with high relapse rates and poor survival, highlighting the potential for targeting H3K27me3 as an epigenetically guided cancer therapy.
Researchers used proteomics and small RNA sequencing to analyze 103 human blood plasma samples, identifying 21 proteins and 315 small RNAs associated with aging. Combining protein and miRNA data improved age predictions (R2 = 0.70 ± 0.01), suggesting a broader range of age-related physiological changes.
Researchers developed a new biological age indicator, DNAmFitAge, that incorporates physical fitness parameters, showing a correlation with lower mortality risk, coronary heart disease risk reduction, and improved disease-free status in physically fit individuals.
A study reveals a unique epigenetic biotimer mechanism controlling floral meristem termination and stamen development in Arabidopsis thaliana. The team discovered that AGAMOUS serves as a master conductor orchestrating gene expression through cell cycle-coupled H3K27me3 dilution.
A new study by Van Andel Institute scientists identifies KDM5C as a key driver of low bone density, preserving bone mass in mice. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for women with osteoporosis, reducing the risk of fractures and improving quality of life.
Two new subtypes of insulin-producing beta cells, ß <sub> HI </sub> and ß <sub> LO </sub>, have been identified with distinct characteristics. The study suggests epigenetic dosage as a driving force behind the decision of ß cells to become these subtypes, offering a new target for potential diabetes treatments.
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.
Archaeologists have discovered the earliest example of angular notched trephination, a type of cranial surgery, in the Ancient Near East. The discovery, made at Megiddo, Israel, suggests that one brother may have had leprosy, making them potentially among the earliest documented examples of the disease.
Researchers examined three epigenetic age acceleration measurements and found inverse associations with lung cancer risk in men and younger participants. However, these findings did not support a positive association between epigenetic age measures and lung cancer risk in the study.
Researchers used unconventional methods to study fruit fly phenotypes, finding that loss of epigenetic mark led to changes in behavior, gene expression, metabolism, and offspring production. This knowledge can aid in predicting ecological patterns of change in wild animal populations.
A new method, iDEMS, uses quantitative mass spectrometry to measure DNA modifications on purified, replicated DNA. This approach reveals that DNA methylation levels increase steadily after replication and are eventually diluted by cell division.
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.
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.
A new study of twins found that consistent exercise can change the molecules in the human body that influence gene behavior, leading to lower signs of metabolic disease. The study suggests that markers of metabolic disease are strongly influenced by how a person interacts with their environment, rather than just their inherited genetics.
Scientists have discovered that plants can rapidly adapt to environmental changes and pass on these adaptations to future generations through epigenetics. Plants use somatic memory to recognize previous environmental conditions and react promptly in the face of similar challenges.
Researchers found that centenarians have a lower epigenetic age than expected, suggesting slowed biological aging. The study used four epigenetic clocks based on small CpG sites to reveal these differences.