Articles tagged with Epigenetics
Researchers identify two distinct types of obesity with physiological and molecular differences that may impact health, disease, and treatment response. The study reveals new insights into the link between insulin and obesity, as well as the role of epigenetics in shaping individual body types.
Scientists at the University of Freiburg have successfully characterized epigenetic modifications using nanopore analysis. The technique allows for rapid detection of protein fragments with varying levels of acetylation, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer.
A study led by UMD researchers found that hibernating big brown bats experience slower epigenetic aging, with their biological clock extending by nearly a year. The study established the link between hibernation and longer lifespans in small mammals.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that even terminally exhausted T cells retain some capacity to function again. They identified approaches to overcome exhaustion by targeting co-stimulation pathways and reprogramming T cells to be resistant to hypoxia, a common tumor microenvironmental signal.
A new study introduces a novel epigenetic predictor, PCBrainAge, that captures aging heterogeneity across multiple brain regions. The tool demonstrates stronger associations with AD dementia and pathologic AD compared to existing age predictors.
Leukemia cells exploit metabolic pathways to evade programmed cell death, but researchers identified a weak spot in acute lymphoblastic leukemia that can be targeted with experimental drugs. Inhibiting glutathione metabolism induces ferroptosis, leading to the death of malignant lymphocytes.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that cells lining the heart direct cardiac muscle growth and outlined a complex mechanism regulating this process. The discovery may help develop better techniques for regenerating heart tissue and prevent congenital heart defects.
A study of 1,813 older women found that accelerated biological aging is associated with lower odds of living to be 90 years old and maintaining physical and cognitive function. Slower age acceleration was linked to a reduced risk of mortality.
Researchers found that high temperatures induce epigenetic changes in zebrafish embryos, leading to sex reversal and altering the sex ratio. This study provides insights into the mechanisms behind climate change's impact on species with genotype-by-environment sex determination.
Researchers found reduced levels of Histone Deacetylase I (HDAC I) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, linked to deleterious effects of misfolded beta-amyloid and tau proteins. HDAC inhibitors, currently being tested against mild Alzheimer's disease, may be harming patients rather than helping them.
Researchers found associations between perceived discrimination and epigenetic aging in US middle-aged and older adults. Depressive symptoms were identified as a potential mediator in these relationships, particularly among women and White adults.
A UMass Amherst researcher will investigate the link between ambient environmental factors and male fertility, focusing on air pollution and temperature. Her study aims to identify risks associated with these exposures and inform medical and behavioral interventions for men before fertility treatment.
Researchers found global redistribution of histone H3 modifications with time, particularly in intergenic regions and near transcription start sites. Caloric restriction diet feeding reduced the extent of changes occurring during the first year of life in these genomic regions.
Researchers analyzed stored blood samples from infected men and found significant age acceleration in DNA epigenetic measures and telomere shortening. The study demonstrates HIV's substantial impact on the body's aging processes within two to three years of infection.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and Stanford University identified key genes linked to T cell exhaustion. They discovered how to block these genes, resulting in healthier T cells and smaller tumors in mice with cancer. This breakthrough may lead to improved immune-based treatments for cancer patients.
Researchers identified an epigenetic signature, EPIMISC, associated with the development of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) after SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The study found deregulation of epigenetic cellular programming leading to hyperinflammation in tissues.
Researchers found that tendons, not muscles, are the key site where increased mechanosensitivity translates to better running and jumping capabilities. High expression of the calcium-ion channel mechanoreceptor coincided with wider tendons composed of larger collagen fibrils.
Researchers identified DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) as a critical factor regulated by histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) in skin aging. Overexpression of HDAC4 rescued cells from senescence, while DDIT4 overexpression reversed changes associated with aging.
A study found that a methionine-deficient diet alters gene expression and DNA methylation in liver cells, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A methionine-supplemented diet had the opposite effect, reducing the risk of liver damage.
A study reveals an epigenetic switch that restricts early embryo cells from differentiating into certain tissue lineages. The research identifies PRC2 as a key regulator of gene expression in embryonic development, allowing for better control of stem cell specialization and blastoid formation.
A new study by University of Chicago researchers found epigenetic differences in airway cells of patients with asthma who have asthmatic mothers, contributing to the development of severe asthma. The findings suggest that impaired immune responses may be an underlying cause of lack of therapeutic response to corticosteroids.
A study found epigenetic differences in airway cells of patients with asthma who have asthmatic mothers, suggesting impaired immune responses and potential new therapies for this subtype of asthma. The research was conducted in a diverse population and replicated in independent children's cells.
A new diagnostic marker has been identified that predicts successful and efficient oocyte development. The study found that X-chromosome inactivation and reactivation are critical for normal germ cell differentiation.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Pathogenic Trypanosomatids will bring together experts from different fields to discuss the fight against leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Researchers will share state-of-the-art science and results of new research on epigenetics, drug discovery, and molecular biology.
Researchers at Wayne State University developed a novel technique to measure the age of male sperm, finding a link between sperm epigenetic aging and pregnancy outcomes. The study suggests that older sperm can be associated with lower pregnancy success rates and shorter gestation periods.
Researchers found that hormone fluctuations, particularly estrogen, shape brain development and behavior. Estrogen influences the growth of brain regions, leading to permanent changes in neural circuitry.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism for miR-10b activation in high-grade gliomas, implicating topologic reorganization of chromatin and long-non-coding RNAs. This finding suggests new RNA-targeted strategies for glioma therapy and points to the vulnerability of tumor-initiating cells.
Researchers developed a new method, EpiDamID, to analyze single cells and determine the location of modified proteins around which DNA is wrapped. This technique helps understand how PTMs affect gene expression and has implications for early development and disease research.
A genome-wide functional screen identified critical regulators of naïve stem cell reprogramming, enabling the creation of high-quality, stable stem cell populations. The study also uncovered epigenetic factors that hinder or help reprogramming, including the essential PRC1.3 complex and inhibitory HDAC2 protein.
Researchers have identified early-onset epigenetic changes linked to an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. These findings offer new opportunities for identifying children at genetic risk, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and prevention.
Researchers have discovered signature epigenetic biomarkers in mothers and fathers of preterm infants, which may lead to a non-invasive test to predict preterm birth. This could help prevent premature births and their related health impacts on infants.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a key factor in T-cell leukemia disease relapse - genome refolding. The study found that cancer cells adapt to targeted therapy by changing the folding of their genome, driven by transcription factor repositioning.
A recent study identified specific RNA biomarkers linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. The findings could lead to the development of personalized treatments to ease the pain of these individuals. The research has implications for precision medicine, enabling healthcare providers to track medication effectiveness...
A new study found that traditional Chinese medicine Shengmai Yin increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation, reducing radioresistance. By altering DNA methylation status, SMY enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy and reduces side effects.
Researchers found that certain transfer RNAs are dysregulated in human cancer, leading to a worse clinical course. Re-silencing these molecules in preclinical studies halted tumor growth, suggesting they could be attractive targets for next-generation drugs.
Researchers found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse developed blunted cortisol profiles, associated with health problems like depression and anxiety. Epigenetic age acceleration also contributed to these effects. The study aims to understand resilience to trauma and develop interventions for those affected.
Researchers at TUM and MPIMG decipher the molecular mechanisms responsible for deactivating genes in genomic imprinting. By removing known epigenetic 'off switches', they discovered that DNA methylation and Polycomb enzymes play a crucial role in silencing genes.
Researchers developed a single-cell epigenetic aging clock to profile biological age in individual cells. The technique revealed mechanisms driving aging, attenuation, and early embryogenesis-related rejuvenation, opening possibilities for clinical applications in mammalian cells.
Researchers mapped genetic interactions in C. elegans to identify new genes influencing lifespan and their human equivalents. The study reveals that most key longevity genes belong to transcription factors and metabolic genes.
Scientists used single-cell sequencing to analyze over 150,000 cells from 11 tumor samples, discovering novel mechanisms of tumor development and identifying potential targets for therapy. The findings may lead to personalized medicine and improved treatment options for gynecologic cancers.
A Swedish twin study discovered epigenetic differences in twins with one developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers found lower levels of microRNA-30, a gene that regulates glucose uptake, in the affected twins' fatty tissue.
A recent study reveals that child maltreatment is associated with altered oxytocin gene methylation, leading to atypical brain structures and function. This finding suggests a potential biological mechanism for targeting during adolescence to improve the lives of victims of childhood abuse.
Researchers discovered that a single protein, Kr-h1, responds to socially regulated hormones to orchestrate the complex social transition in Harpegnathos saltator ants. The study reveals important roles for gene regulation and hormone response in controlling animal brains' plasticity.
A team of scientists developed a drug-like molecule that can counteract the effects of mutated epigenetic regulators, which are known to drive certain types of cancer. The molecule targets the 'reader' CBX8, which is critical for the proliferation of cancer cells, but more dispensable in healthy cells.
Mangroves have evolved a remarkable resistance to stress in harsh ocean environments. Researchers decoded the genome of Bruguiera gymnorhiza and found that it regulates genes to cope with stress, using adaptive epigenetic changes to survive.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a new way to analyze diseased and healthy cells from the same patient, revealing potential targets for individualized treatments. The study's findings could also help predict patient response to current drugs, leading to improved survival rates.
A new study found a significant increase in adverse outcomes for COVID-19 positive pregnant women, including gestational diabetes, low white blood cell counts, and heavier bleeding during delivery. Respiratory complications were also witnessed in their babies, highlighting the importance of vaccinating all pregnant women against COVID-19.
Researchers discovered a microRNA, miR-766-5p, that targets super-enhancers and reduces MYC expression in cancer cells, inhibiting growth rates. The study suggests this molecule could be used as an anti-cancer therapeutic to fight MYC-driven cancers.
A study published in the EMBO Journal identified DNA methyltransferase 1 as a crucial enzyme in preventing autoinflammation. Reduced DNA methylation leads to cGAS-induced autoinflammation, causing genomic instability and activating the immune system.
Researchers will investigate the genetic and epigenetic factors controlling variation in health, with potential implications for combating cancer, obesity, and other diseases. The team aims to identify new sets of disease-related genes, delineate subtypes of disease, and understand the complex interaction between genetics and epigenetics.
Researchers found a genetic regulation profile associated with improved overall survival and reduced disease relapse in patients treated with CAR-T cells. The epigenetic pattern is typical of young T lymphocytes, suggesting they may be ideal for selection and administration.
A nationwide team of researchers will investigate epigenetic therapies for cancer, with a focus on exploring new targets and investigating novel combinations. The project aims to improve current epigenetic therapies and enhance existing approaches such as immunotherapy.
Researchers at RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research have found that Kleefstra syndrome, a genetic disorder leading to intellectual disability, can be reversed after birth. Postnatal treatment with artificially induced GLP production resulted in improved brain and behavioral symptoms.
Five innovative research projects tackle fundamental questions of environmental and earth science, including the origins of Earth and life on Mars. The studies aim to advance our understanding and lead to important scientific breakthroughs.
A new study has identified RNF5 as a key player in acute myeloid leukemia, regulating gene expression through its interaction with protein RBBP4. Inhibiting RNF5 may improve treatment outcomes for AML patients by increasing sensitivity to existing targeted therapies.
Researchers identified distinct epigenetic patterns associated with heart disease in diverse populations, offering potential early warning signs. The study analyzed genome data from four cohorts and found unique methylation points linked to coronary heart disease.
A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.
A CRISPR screening tool identified ZMYND8, an epigenetic regulatory protein, as a potential new therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia. Inhibiting ZMYND8 has been shown to leave cancer cells with smaller tumors and better survival in mouse models.
New research from the University of Arkansas finds that prior training can accelerate muscle growth and response even after extended idleness. Previously trained muscles in mice responded with more sensitivity and grew more rapidly than previously untrained muscles, thanks to epigenetic changes in DNA.
Researchers analyzed data from five large heart cohort studies to identify epigenetic changes associated with cardiovascular disease. The study found 33 common methylation sites linked to heart disease across diverse populations, providing a potential target for prevention and intervention.