Articles tagged with Epigenetics
Researchers have identified a new epigenetic mark, 5-formylcytosine, which plays a crucial role in activating genes during early embryonic development. This discovery sheds light on the regulation of gene expression in vertebrates and has implications for our understanding of human development and disease.
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.
Scientists have discovered over 50,000 unusual DNA structures called i-motifs in the human genome, which are concentrated in key functional areas and may play a role in regulating gene activity. This finding offers new possibilities for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to diseases such as cancer.
A recent study found that the epigenetic age of a tissue is influenced by the frequency and activity of its stem cells. Stem cells in skin and intestine had a higher rate of division, resulting in a younger epigenetic age compared to those in muscle and blood.
Researchers employed AI to analyze epigenetic impact of chromatin and transcriptional changes during winter dormancy in axillary apple buds. The study revealed genes related to cellular response to hypoxia, defense response to ABA, and circadian rhythm were activated during bud dormancy.
Researchers found associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and DNA methylation-based aging clocks in older men, suggesting that active lifestyles may delay biological aging. The study aims to establish fitness reference values to help prevent the onset of diseases associated with aging.
Researchers studied the association of 12 immune cell types with epigenetic age acceleration in healthy and diseased populations. Their work sheds light on the complex interplay between immune cell composition and epigenetic aging.
Researchers discover a gene drive system, Teosinte Pollen Drive (TPD), that enables the quick transfer of traits from teosinte to maize. This finding sheds light on corn's rapid adaptation to the highlands and has significant implications for agriculture.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found a link between healthy diets and a younger biological age. Even when people eat healthy diets, each gram of added sugar is associated with an increase in epigenetic age. The Mediterranean diet had the strongest association with lower epigenetic age.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that an eight-week vegan diet reduced biological age estimates by analyzing DNA methylation levels. The research, conducted on 21 pairs of identical twins, showed decreases in biological age and organ systems' ages for those who followed a vegan diet.
Researchers found that epigenetic state affects neurons' recruitment into memory trace formation. Open chromatin states enable more efficient learning. The study opens new avenues for understanding learning and may lead to medication for improving cognitive disorders.
A recent study published in Cell discovered that strokes can change the epigenetics of the immune system, particularly in the heart, leading to scarring and impaired pumping function. The researchers identified IL-1b as the main culprit behind these epigenetic modifications, which can drive inflammatory cardiac dysfunction.
Researchers found that the frequency of activated TREG cells remained elevated during treatment and continued to be high even after the virus was eliminated. Inflammatory features, such as increased TNF signaling, were sustained in TREG cells, indicating long-term immune system changes induced by the chronic infection.
A new study has identified potential cancer drivers hidden in so-called 'junk' regions of DNA, which could lead to early diagnosis and new treatments. The discovery reveals mutations in previously overlooked regions of the genome that may contribute to the formation and progression of at least 12 different cancers.
A CHARMed collaboration has created a set of molecular tools called CHARMs that can turn off disease-causing genes, including those coding for the prion protein. The tools have shown promise in silencing the prion protein gene and improving or eliminating disease symptoms in animals.
A new study reveals that depression and antidepressant use are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women. Epigenetic age acceleration, measured by GrimAge DNA methylation age acceleration, partially mediates the relationship between antidepressant use and increased mortality risk.
Research at Helmholtz Munich found that a father's body weight can affect the weight of their child and increase susceptibility to metabolic diseases. The study suggests that paternal diet influences gene expression in early embryos, affecting the development and health of offspring.
A new molecular test WID-qCIN detects significantly more cancers and precancerous stages than current methods, identifying 100% of invasive cervical cancer and 93% of serious precancerous lesions. The test reduces the need for colposcopy examinations by 40%, improving the effectiveness of screening programs.
Researchers discuss therapeutic opportunities for hypermutated urothelial carcinomas that are resistant to immunotherapy, including the potential of targeted therapies. High TMB is associated with defects in mismatch repair proteins and can lead to increased sensitivity to cancer treatments.
Researchers found associations between inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers and accelerated aging, with GlycA and GrimAge showing robust correlations. The study provides insight into the relationship between aging and cardiometabolic health, potentially informing vulnerable populations.
A new study found that experienced firefighters have different epigenetic modifications linked to prostate cancer risk compared to new firefighters. Chemical exposure to PFAS is associated with these changes. The research team investigated fire department data and found a link between PFAS exposure and increased prostate cancer risk.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers has identified several pathophysiological mechanisms underlying perianal fistulae in Crohn’s disease. The findings highlight key transcription factor binding events and epigenetic phenomena that contribute to the higher rates of complications in African American patients. The research provides avenues...
Researchers found a link between Fontan circulation and accelerated epigenetic aging, which can cause complications like osteoporosis and renal impairment. The study suggests this acceleration starts in childhood and continues into adulthood, with potential new treatment opportunities to delay progression.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have identified specific groups of cells driving resistance to chemotherapy in TNBC, offering new biomarkers and alternative treatment options. The studies shed light on the mechanisms behind chemoresistance and its epigenetic control.
A study by Dr Manel Esteller and colleagues identified an epigenetic signature associated with a good clinical response to hypomethylating drugs, enabling early detection of resistant patients. The research found single genes that facilitate the development of biomarkers and rescue strategies for non-responder patients.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Kdm1a protein is essential for preserving neuronal identity, and its loss or natural aging triggers the expression of genes that normally should not be expressed in neurons. The researchers found that eliminating this protein accelerates neuronal aging at an epigenetic level.
Researchers found associations between prenatal vitamin and metal exposures and epigenetic aging biomarkers in early life. A one standard deviation increase in essential metals was associated with lower Horvath EAA at birth, while arsenic was linked to greater EAA at birth and in childhood.
A new study from Stockholm University found that pesticide linuron causes significant physiological impacts in frogs, including changes in DNA, growth, metabolism, and reproductive systems. The research highlights the profound transgenerational consequences of environmental pollution on amphibian populations.
Researchers investigated the impact of senolytic treatments on DNA methylation clocks and epigenetic age. Results showed significant increases in epigenetic age acceleration with Dasatinib and Quercetin treatment, but not with Fisetin addition.
A recent study published in Nature found that smoking has a lasting effect on the immune system, with certain defense mechanisms persisting for up to 10-15 years after quitting. The research used a large cohort of healthy volunteers and identified three key factors: smoking, latent cytomegalovirus infection, and body mass index.
Parents who received nutritional epigenetics education reduced ultra-processed food consumption and increased whole organic foods intake, leading to improved behavior and cognition in their children. The education intervention also reduced heavy metal exposures and dietary deficits that disrupt gene function.
Researchers develop epigenetic clocks based on regional disorder of DNA methylation patterns, identifying common responses and critical differences from canonical clocks. These findings suggest a fundamental decoupling of epigenetic aging processes.
Researchers discovered a link between single cancer cell mutations and clinical response to epigenetic therapy in myelodysplastic syndrome. Patients showing treatment benefits had decreased mutation counts in stem cells and immature granulocytes, suggesting early tumor elimination is key to therapy success.
Researchers have identified mechanisms of resistance to tazemetostat in epithelioid sarcoma and rhabdoid tumors, leading to the development of a combination therapy strategy. The therapy uses an epigenetic treatment approach to target specific mutations that drive cancer growth.
Research in mice reveals that epigenetic status controls cancer cells' behavior at metastasis sites, with some cells entering dormancy while others grow into tumors. The study identifies DNA methylation as a key factor in this decision.
Researchers found XRCC1 to have both positive and negative correlations with prognosis across different tumors. The study also revealed associations between XRCC1 expression and DNA methylation patterns, TMB, MSI, immune cell infiltration levels, and immune checkpoint gene expression.
Researchers analyzed genome sequences from over 4,000 tumours to identify patterns of DNA mutations that vary between individuals. They found 13 distinct patterns, with 10 corresponding to different types of tissue, and discovered that the density of mutations in specific genes varies significantly between individuals.
The study reveals that hepatoblasts along the portal vein receive Notch signaling and differentiate into bile duct epithelial cells. Hematopoietic cells fail to transmit signals, resulting in the failure of differentiation. This discovery provides molecular biological support for mathematical analysis results.
Researchers developed a new technique called MAbID to study multiple mechanisms of gene regulation simultaneously, enabling the connection between different gene expression processes. This technology can be applied to various fields, including human development and disease research.
A study by Max Planck researchers has discovered an epigenetic regulator MSL2 that ensures the expression of both alleles of haploinsufficient genes, crucial for human health. This mechanism allows for tissue- and cell-type specificity in gene dosage, opening new directions for understanding diseases and developing potential treatments.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for pulmonary hypertension treatment by discovering an epigenetic pathway mediated via the protein SPHK2 that can reduce and potentially reverse vascular remodeling. This discovery offers new hope for treating pulmonary hypertension, which is a complex and often fatal condition.
Researchers found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with biological age acceleration and hypertension in middle-aged and older adults, but not in young adults. The study suggests that alcohol consumption may mediate the association between alcohol intake and quantitative traits like hypertension.
Researchers discovered COVID-19 causes epigenetic scars in lung tissue that lead to hyperinflammation and fibrosis. These changes are associated with increased interferons and chemokines, promoting inflammation.
Scientists at University of Leicester investigate sleep's impact on ageing epigenetics using jewel wasp model, finding potential reversible effects on DNA methylation. This study aims to understand the molecular basis of sleep-regulated ageing and its potential for therapeutic intervention.
An international team of researchers analyzed 1.7 million cells from 225 samples across 11 different cancer types, identifying regions in the DNA that are differentially activated or inactivated in a cancer-specific manner. These epigenetic changes create a signature for each tumour and correspond to hallmarks of cancer.
Researchers developed a new epigenetic clock that accurately measures biological aging in healthy and unhealthy tissue, outperforming current clocks. The Glasgow-Karolinska Clock showed promise in assessing the impact of chronic kidney disease on aging, even after dialysis treatment.
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.
Scientists have identified a specific process that helps control transposable elements, which destabilize the genetic code and contribute to aging. Strengthening this pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans extended its lifespan.
Researchers aim to study epigenetic modifications of histone H1 to understand its role in gene expression and disease. The project seeks to develop chemical methods to reveal the epigenetic corners of H1, with potential implications for understanding diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Microglial cells age differently in male and female mice, with female microglia displaying a 'middle-aged' phenotype and male microglia switching suddenly to an aged phenotype. The researchers identified key genes and mechanisms contributing to this aging process, including the role of aged-like microglia in cognitive decline.
A new study introduces the concept of a 'noise barometer,' measuring biological age based on epigenetic changes. The researchers found that specific cytosines show increased variability with age, indicating a biomarker for aging and disease. This approach provides a novel perspective on aging research.
Researchers discovered that a small subpopulation of AIB1-expressing cells in breast cancer enables invasion and metastasis. The study suggests that these subpopulations play a crucial role in tumor growth and spreading to distant sites.
Researchers found that pregnant mice experiencing copy number variation (CNV) showed similarities to aging, with biomarkers and genetic effects appearing during pregnancy and reversing after delivery. This study aims to revolutionize aging treatment by investigating the mechanisms behind post-labor rejuvenation.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a cohesive framework for evaluating biomarkers of aging, providing a robust classification system for the identification and validation of molecular markers. The framework highlights key criteria for evaluation, including age-sensitivity and generalizability across cell types, ...
The editorial discusses epigenetic mechanisms leading to oocyte quality loss, a significant factor in age-related fertility decline. Researchers highlight the importance of understanding this process to address the growing issue of advanced maternal age and its impact on reproduction.
Researchers found that inducing inflammation triggers an epigenetic response in Tas2r genes, leading to a decrease in sweet taste preference and potentially affecting appetite and medication tolerance. This study has significant clinical implications for understanding behavioral aspects of illness and developing effective bitter blockers.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that severe COVID-19 infection can alter the immune system's response, causing long-lasting changes to gene expression in immune system stem cells. This can lead to symptoms of prolonged inflammation and 'long COVID' in affected individuals.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a potential treatment for diffuse midline glioma, a type of childhood brain tumor with no effective treatments. The compound ONC201 nearly doubled survival rates in patients with the disease, and the underlying mechanism behind its success has been explained.
Researchers propose a novel theory of aging that suggests cell competition is a key factor in the process. The selective destruction theory (SDT) proposes a mechanism of aging that is independent of accumulating damage and consistent with epigenetic rejuvenation.
Rice University chemist Han Xiao has won a $3.2 million research grant from the National Cancer Institute to develop an epigenetic inhibitor targeting bone metastasis. The drug, based on existing bisphosphonates, aims to prevent cancer cells from spreading to other organs without affecting normal tissues.