Articles tagged with Epigenetics
A study found that people whose fathers began smoking at age 15 or younger show signs of faster biological aging compared to chronological age. This accelerated aging is linked to a higher risk of diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and dementia. The researchers call for stronger efforts to prevent tobacco use in teenagers.
Research from Cornell University found that people with stronger social connections over a lifetime experience slower biological aging. Higher cumulative social advantage was linked to lower levels of inflammation and younger profiles on epigenetic clocks. Sustained social networks built across decades contribute to healthier aging.
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.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Manel Esteller has published a study on the longest-lived person ever recorded, Maria Branyas, who reached 117 years. The analysis reveals a fascinating duality: simultaneous presence of signals of extreme aging and healthy longevity. Despite signs of aging, Branyas had genetic characteristics associate...
A University of Hawaii study reveals how gut microbes interact with human genes, shaping disease risk, aging, and future medical treatments. The review highlights the potential for personalized medicine and precision health strategies tailored to each individual's unique microbial and epigenetic makeup.
Genomic imprinting discovered by Davor Solter and Azim Surani reveals maternal chromosomes contribute essential information missing in paternal chromosomes. This phenomenon, coined genomic imprinting, involves tiny methyl groups attached to DNA's four bases regulating fetal growth and development.
A UIC researcher team led by Dr. Subhash C. Pandey will investigate how long-term alcohol use affects the structure and function of brain cells, aiming to improve targeted treatments for alcohol use disorder. The grant renewal aims to fuel cutting-edge research into cellular interaction in areas key to alcohol addiction.
A new study found that better indoor air quality, proximity to natural spaces, healthy diets and strong social bonds are associated with reduced and better-regulated inflammation in childhood. The study used the Human Early Life Exposome (HELIX) cohort and identified three immune signatures linked to better overall health.
A new study reveals that Alzheimer's progression is characterized by a breakdown of epigenomic stability, leading to compromised compartmentalization and the loss of gene regulation. The research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms driving disease progression and resilience, shedding light on potential new treatments.
Researchers found that faster biological aging is associated with lower scores on digital cognitive tests, particularly among older adults. DNA methylation patterns were used to estimate biological age acceleration, and protein markers PAI1 and ADM showed strong associations with lower cognitive scores.
A new study found a strong association between accelerated epigenetic aging and increased risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. Lifestyle factors like diet significantly influenced this risk, with healthy diets potentially reducing cancer risk associated with biological aging.
Researchers have finally pinned down the genomic, epigenomic, and cellular landscape of the enigmatic arrow worm, connecting its unique genetic markup to specialized cell-types. The study reveals an unprecedented rate of gene genesis and duplication, as well as a unique method of chromosomal organization.
A recent study by researchers at The University of Osaka discovered the crucial role of DNA repair enzyme Polβ in safeguarding the developing brain from harmful mutations. Accumulation of indel mutations near CpG sites may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study published in Aging-US found that frailty is associated with increased respiratory exacerbations and mortality in individuals with a history of cigarette smoking. Frail participants had a three- to five-fold higher chance of developing serious or frequent respiratory attacks, even if they had normal lung function.
Researchers have developed a new epigenetic editing method using CRISPR technology, which can switch genes back on by removing methyl groups attached to silenced or suppressed genes. This approach shows promise for treating people with Sickle Cell-related diseases, reducing the risk of unwanted changes and potential health problems.
A new study suggests that regular exercise can influence epigenetic aging and potentially reverse it, offering a promising way to extend healthspan. Physical fitness is closely associated with slower epigenetic aging, and sedentary behavior may have detrimental effects on the body's internal aging process.
Researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy can program long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories in children through epigenetic alterations. This led to autistic-like behaviors in male mice, correlating with altered gene regulation in the cortex and hippocampus.
A new research paper found that epigenetic aging is linked to cognitive decline in midlife, with twins experiencing a larger drop in IQ scores if they had grown up in families with lower socioeconomic status. This study provides new evidence for the impact of childhood adversity on brain aging.
A recent study published in The EMBO Journal reveals that the Setd8 gene plays a critical role in the premature aging of the brain by controlling neural stem cell activity and proliferation. Artificially lowering Setd8 levels mimicked molecular signatures of aging, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for early aging.
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.
Researchers have developed a new technique to comprehensively profile DNA methylation in single cells, enabling better study of epigenetics in cancer and other diseases. The scDEEP-mC method yields high-resolution maps of DNA methylation and supports cutting-edge analyses in single cells.
Chronic health issues may emerge from long-term obesity in young adults, leading to epigenetic alterations, telomere attrition, and impaired nutrient sensing. The study found a significant association between long-term obesity and accelerated biological aging, highlighting the importance of addressing obesity early on.
A study published in Science Bulletin discovered that histone demethylase LSD1 maintains dormant primordial follicles, which are essential for long-term ovarian function. Loss of LSD1 triggers ovarian reserve depletion and premature failure.
Researchers at UChicago have developed a more sensitive liquid biopsy test that uses RNA to detect the earliest stages of colorectal cancer with 95% accuracy. The test analyzes RNA modification levels in blood samples, which remain stable regardless of sample preparation.
Researchers have created a novel sequencing technology, NTD-seq, that enables the direct mapping of 5-methylcytosine in genomic DNA. The method, which uses an enzyme to deaminate cytosine and preserve 5mC, shows strong concordance with existing maps and offers a powerful tool for studying epigenetic modifications.
Professor Eran Meshorer's groundbreaking research in epigenetics and stem cell biology has uncovered critical insights into chromatin structure and gene expression. His work has broad implications for regenerative medicine, developmental biology, and understanding neurological disorders.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a chromatin-based strategy that enables cells to rapidly produce proteins when nutrients are scarce. This 'priming' mechanism, driven by the MYC gene, allows cancer cells to adapt and survive under metabolic stress.
A new perspective challenges current epigenetic clocks, which use DNA methylation patterns to estimate biological age, by failing to distinguish between different types of methylation changes. This could lead to inaccurate conclusions and potentially slow down progress in anti-aging research.
Researchers discovered that children with MS show signs of accelerated biological aging, even in their teenage years, which may lead to new treatment possibilities beyond immunosuppression. The study found that youth with MS had evidence of accelerated epigenetic age, a measurement of DNA chemical modifications associated with aging.
A newly developed AI model, crossNN, accurately diagnoses brain tumors in 99.1% of cases and differentiates between over 170 tumor types from all organs with 97.8% accuracy. This technology enables non-invasive diagnostics using cerebrospinal fluid samples, providing a stress-free alternative to traditional biopsy methods.
Researchers discovered a specialized histone arrangement, called the CENP-A–H4 octasome, in centromeric regions. This unique structure likely contributes to proper kinetochore formation and mitosis.
A new study reveals that boys who are overweight in their early teens risk damaging the genes of their future children, increasing the chances of developing asthma, obesity, and low lung function. The researchers identified epigenetic changes in over 2,000 sites in 1,962 genes linked to fat cell formation and lipid metabolism.
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.
Roundworm C. elegans avoids deceased conspecifics due to olfactory cues from metabolites AMP and histidine, leading to reduced fitness and increased egg laying. The detection of these signals may be an evolutionarily maintained mechanism for detecting cellular death.
Dr Manel Esteller received the Jaume Aiguader i Miró Award for his book 'The Secret of Eternal Life', which explains biological mechanisms of ageing and longevity. His research focuses on epigenetic changes linked to premature ageing and extreme longevity.
Researchers found that consuming foods high in methyl adaptogens, such as green tea and berries, can reduce markers of epigenetic aging. The study, which involved middle-aged men, suggests that targeted food choices may help slow the aging process.
Researchers from Kyushu University find the X-linked mutation behind orange fur in house cats, revealing a new mechanism for promoting orange coloring. The 'ARHGAP36' gene is found to be active in melanocytes of orange patches, reducing activity in genes involved in melanogenesis.
Researchers identified two distinct epigenetic profiles in Burkitt Lymphoma, one associated with a favorable clinical course and the other with early relapse and shorter survival. This discovery has implications for treatment strategies and may lead to personalized medicine approaches.
Three Israeli scientists will each receive US$100,000 for their innovative work in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Physical Sciences & Engineering. The Blavatnik Awards recognize outstanding young scientists at the early stages of their careers.
A study on captive olive baboons found that about a quarter exhibited accelerated aging, while another quarter showed signs of slower aging. The researchers investigated physical indicators such as walking speed and fine motor skills, but found that these changes were more closely related to chronological age than epigenetic age.
Participants who took the supplement showed improvements in grip strength, lower body mobility, and reductions in body weight. The supplement appeared to reduce stem cell turnover, regulate immune function, and influence gene activity related to stress response.
Researchers developed a new method to measure changes in DNA that can help predict a person's age, focusing on how random chemical tags become over time. The study found that methylation entropy predicted age as accurately as traditional methods, with an average error of just five years.
Berger has made significant contributions to cancer epigenetics and tumor biology. Her work has elucidated key mechanisms of p53 regulation and immune cell epigenetics, advancing our understanding of cancer biology.
Researchers developed a cell-based reporter assay that can quantify epigenetic changes induced by chemicals and potential carcinogens. The epi-TK assay detects gene silencing and activation, reflecting epigenetic changes associated with both gene expression and DNA methylation.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz engineered cellular models of embryos using CRISPR technology, allowing them to study early developmental stages without experimenting with actual embryos. The team found that 80% of stem cells organized into embryo-like structures, showcasing a remarkable collective behavior and molecular composition.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant breakthroughs in understanding pancreatic cancer's evolutionary process and developing new treatment strategies. They also discovered that surgical resection can enhance antitumor response in patients receiving immune checkpoint therapy for advanced kidney cancer.
The study identified over 34,000 genomic regions with distinct ON/OFF methylation patterns, including novel imprinted regions and tissue-specific variability. This atlas provides valuable insights into epigenetic regulation and may help explain the inheritance patterns of genetic diseases such as CHARGE syndrome.
A study published in Aging (Aging-US) found associations between several environmental exposures and epigenetic aging in a large sample of US adults. Cadmium, lead, and cotinine were linked to faster biological aging, increasing the risk of age-related diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
A new study discovered that violence can alter human genes for generations, even in grandchildren who never experienced violence themselves. Researchers found epigenetic changes in the genomes of Syrian families affected by the Hama massacre and subsequent civil war.
A new study suggests that extreme heat exposure accelerates biological aging in older adults, with participants experiencing greater increases in biological age in neighborhoods with more days of high heat. The study analyzed epigenetic changes and found a significant correlation between heat index values and biological age.
A new test called EpiAgePublic estimates biological age using only three DNA sites in the ELOVL2 gene, simplifying traditional methods while maintaining accuracy. The study found that EpiAgePublic accurately tracks aging patterns and can identify factors accelerating the aging process.
Researchers discovered a gene cluster responsible for producing withanolides in ground-cherry plants, demonstrating epigenetic regulation of chemical defenses. The study provides insights into the production of diverse metabolites and potential development of alternative pesticides and therapeutics.
A multinational research team has identified an epigenetic inhibitor that specifically kills the malaria pathogen by targeting its gene regulation. The study opens up new opportunities for innovative therapeutic approaches to combat malaria.
Osteosarcoma cells often have extra copies of the SETDB1 gene, making the cancer more aggressive and harder to treat. Blocking SETDB1 may help the immune system recognize and attack osteosarcoma cells, offering a promising new way to treat this type of bone cancer.
A study found that DNA methylation clocks used in forensic science and epigenetics are less reliable when applied to non-blood tissues, such as lungs, colon, and kidneys. The researchers suggest that organ-specific epigenetic clocks may be needed to improve biological age prediction.
The Predictive Phenomics Initiative and the Exposome Moonshot aim to understand the impact of molecular signaling on organisms. Environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, can significantly affect biological processes, influencing traits like height, disease risk, and even eye color.
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 recent study led by Heike Bischoff-Ferrari found that taking omega-3 fatty acids slowed down biological aging across several epigenetic clocks by up to four months. The combination of omega-3, vitamin D, and strength training proved to be even more effective in slowing down the biological aging process.
A new study reveals a link between genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications, challenging the current anti-aging strategies based on epigenetic clock theory. The research found that mutations can cause a cascade of epigenetic changes across the genome, making it harder to reverse aging than previously thought.
Researchers developed a new tool to measure biological aging in individual cell types, providing insights into diseases like Alzheimer's and liver pathologies. The study found that certain brain cells and liver cells show signs of accelerated aging, making it a better tool for detecting diseases.