Articles tagged with Epigenetics
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that exercise can alter the structure of our DNA, specifically the enhancers that regulate gene expression. This epigenetic rewiring may be responsible for the beneficial effects of physical activity on human health.
Researchers from USC Stem Cell discovered a latent regenerative potential in the inner ear's sensory cells. They found that epigenetic modifications regulate hair cell development and identified a key histone decoration, H3K4me1, that keeps supporting cells primed for transdifferentiation.
Deep Longevity has adapted its blood aging clock to work with saliva samples, improving accuracy from 20.9 years to 4.7 years. The company's solution uses cell-type deconvolution to separate the composition of saliva samples.
Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that Vitamin C and TET proteins can work together to generate stable induced Tregs, which could potentially treat autoimmune diseases. The study reveals an intriguing connection between TET enzymatic activity, Vitamin C and IL-2/STAT5 signaling.
Researchers found that castration of male sheep leads to delayed DNA aging compared to intact males, with epigenetic clocks and DNA methylation patterns differing between the two groups. The study's findings also suggest a link between castration, male hormones, and sex-specific differences in DNA aging.
Research reveals that epigenetic changes contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes, with DNA methylation and histone modifications playing a crucial role. The study suggests that epigenetic markers could be used to monitor disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found epigenetic modifications driven by DNMT3A protein determine B cell fate, with implications for understanding diseases linked to B cells' dysregulation. Chronic lymphomic leukemia (CLL) risk arises when these modifications are lost.
Researchers discovered that HP1a is required to establish proper chromatin structure at multiple hierarchical levels during early embryonic development. The protein plays a central role in maintaining individual chromosome integrity and establishing the global structure of the genome.
A study published in EBiomedicine found that epigenetic variations predict COVID-19 severity, particularly in genes related to inflammation and overall health. The 13% of the global population with this signature is considered the group at maximum risk requiring special care.
Researchers discovered HP1a as an epigenetic regulator that establishes the global structure of the genome in early Drosophila embryos. The study used powerful genetics and 3D genome modeling to show that HP1a is required for proper chromatin organization at multiple hierarchical levels during embryonic development.
A study published in eLife suggests that high social status contributes to accelerated aging in male baboons, with higher body mass index and increased physical demands being key factors. In contrast, early life adversity is not a significant predictor of premature aging.
Recent research on epigenetic mechanisms reveals the impact of alcohol on gene expression and biochemical processes. Candidate drugs that counteract these effects are being developed to advance tailored pharmacological treatments.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified a potential new treatment to protect immunosuppressed transplant patients from HCMV reactivation, which can cause serious illness and death. The 'shock and kill' treatment strategy uses epigenetic inhibitors to expose and destroy dormant HCMV infections.
Researchers develop DNA modifying epigenetic therapy to transform immune killer T-cells into "super soldiers" with enhanced ability to kill cancer cells. The therapy uses available chemotherapy drugs to remove epigenetic tags, turning key genes back on and turbocharging the cells' killing function.
A Swedish study found that lifestyle interventions during pregnancy, including physical activity and a healthy diet, led to epigenetic alterations in newborn babies. These changes were associated with increased muscle mass at birth and potentially benefited the children's body composition and growth later in life.
Researchers found that MLL4 controls the production of neurons vital to growth, leading to delayed growth and short stature in patients. Small chemicals mimicking epigenetic actions of MLL4 may help restore GHRH neuron production, offering a potential treatment strategy.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology create kinetic model to study site-specific histone modifications and their impact on chromatin accessibility. The model shows that acetylation increases chromatin accessibility threefold, highlighting the potential for accurate quantification of epigenetic effects.
DeepMAge is an epigenetic aging clock that accurately predicts human age on over 6,000 DNA methylation profiles, outperforming previous clocks. The clock reveals associations with various age-related conditions, including cancer, dementia, and obesity.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to quantify ChIP-seq results, eliminating the need for spike-ins and ensuring reproducibility. The sans-spike-in method defines a physical scale for sequencing results, allowing comparison between experiments.
A study reveals that methylation of the DVDMR region in the IGF2 gene determines its protein expression levels in breast cancer cells and tissues, suggesting a potential novel epigenetic biomarker for BC aggressiveness. The findings imply that IGF2 levels contribute to BC metastasis and chemoresistance.
Researchers found that methylation of a specific region in the IGF2 gene, known as DVDMR, determines IGF2 protein expression levels in breast cancer. High IGF2 levels are associated with increased BC aggressiveness and metastasis.
Researchers found epigenetic biomarkers that indicate chronic stress in commercially raised chickens, potentially leading to improved animal welfare and quality meat. The study suggests a diagnostic tool could be developed to track recurrent stress in production animals.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that antiretroviral therapy given over two years was unable to completely restore age-appropriate epigenetic patterns in HIV-infected adults. This suggests that even successfully treated HIV-infected individuals are at an increased risk for early development of diseases commonly associated with aging.
Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes in pregnancy are at increased risk for accelerated aging and poor health outcomes later in life. The study found a link between epigenetic age and higher weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risks.
Researchers studied epigenetic modifications associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma survivors, finding a link to the gene NTRK2 and reduced PTSD risk. The study revealed that epigenetic modification of NTRK2 was predictive of PTSD risk, but its relationship with PTSD is complex and influenced by multiple factors.
A study found that two blood epigenetic signatures associated with ADNP syndrome have only modest correlation with clinical manifestations. Researchers conclude that these signatures should be carefully evaluated before being considered as biomarkers for predicting behavioral outcomes.
Researchers discovered two possible mechanisms that drive varying degrees of susceptibility and resistance to EMT, a key process in cancer metastasis and therapy resistance. The study's findings suggest that epigenetic feedback and stochastic partitioning during cell division contribute to this resistance.
Studies from Osaka University revealed that Tet2 and Tet3 proteins play a crucial role in regulating B cell activity and preventing autoimmunity. By knocking out these proteins, researchers found increased serum levels of autoantibodies and organ damage in mice, highlighting the importance of epigenetic control in immune function.
A comprehensive epigenetic study on human tumor organoids reveals their potential as a reliable model for cancer research. The findings validate the use of these samples in biomedical research and pharmaceutical development, opening up new avenues for discovering anti-cancer treatments.
Scientists used 3D models to study cancer cell DNA behavior, validating the use of these models for cancer research. The research team characterized the epigenetic fingerprint of human cancer organoids, showing that they closely resemble patient tumors and can be used to develop new oncology treatments.
Research by RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research identifies ATF7 as essential for intergenerational effects on metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. The study found that a male mouse's diet influences the health of future children through epigenetic changes in sperm cells.
A study of over 6,000 newborn babies found that longer pregnancies are associated with chemical DNA changes in thousands of genes. These epigenetic modifications may influence fetal organ development and potentially affect the health of premature birth children.
Researchers at Kyoto University have designed a new compound that can bind to DNA and activate genes, which could lead to new treatments for cancers and hereditary diseases. The compound, called ePIP-HoGu, targets specific DNA sequences and recruits gene-modifying molecules.
A recent study by the Keck School of Medicine found that vapers and smokers exhibit similar epigenetic changes in their genome, which can cause genes to malfunction. These chemical alterations are commonly found in human cancer and other serious diseases.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that a combination of markers, including frailty and the epigenetic clock, can predict health risks and mortality. The researchers followed 845 middle-aged and elderly participants over 20 years, revealing associations between these markers and increased risk of early death.
Scientists at Institut Pasteur and CNRS identified molecules capable of inhibiting DNA methylation, killing even the most resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The results showed significant activity comparable to chloroquine, with some inhibitors killing parasites in just 6 hours.
A study published in PNAS found that gut microbiota imbalance promotes the onset of colorectal cancer. A non-invasive blood test has been developed to identify the epigenetic phenomenon associated with dysbiosis, which was validated in 1,000 individuals.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that intermittent exposure to high levels of alcohol in adolescent animals leads to altered gene expression in adulthood. Blocking microRNA-137 in adulthood reverses or reduces the lasting effects of youth drinking, such as increased anxiety and alcohol use.
A new epigenetic study suggests that mothers' behavior can also have a substantial impact on their children's developing oxytocin systems. The study found that infant temperament was reflected in DNA methylation levels, with higher methylation indicating lower oxytocin receptor expression.
Scientists developed a machine-learning algorithm to automate high-throughput screens of epigenetic medicines, identifying potential treatments for glioblastoma and other diseases. The approach, called Microscopic Imaging of Epigenetic Landscapes (MIEL), detects active drugs and spots epigenetic changes across multiple cell lines.
A new study found that mothers' involvement in play with their children can influence the development of their oxytocin systems. Higher maternal involvement was associated with reduced DNA methylation and increased expression of the oxytocin receptor gene, which can lead to a stronger bond between mother and child.
A new 'DNA clock' can predict a child's age to within four months using chemical tags on their DNA. The tool, called PedBE, could help identify early developmental delays and diagnose conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
The study revealed that loss of Lamin A/C acetylation results in softened nuclei prone to mechanical pressure and eventual breaking. Nuclear blebs and micronuclei are more likely to form under these conditions, posing a risk to genetic material integrity.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that assisted reproduction technology has a temporary effect on babies' genes, which are largely corrected by adulthood. The study examined the epigenetic changes caused by fertility treatments and found that they resolve by adulthood.
Researchers found that postnatal overnutrition in mice leads to premature epigenetic aging in pancreatic islets, increasing the risk of diabetes. Early life overnutrition accelerates DNA methylation changes, resembling those of middle-aged mice, and contributes to impaired glucose regulation.
The University of Rhode Island is leading a team studying coral reef evolution and adaptation with a $3 million NSF grant. Researchers will explore how changes in nutrition and energy through symbiosis influence epigenetic changes in corals, shedding light on the impact of climate change on these critical ecosystems.
A new study identifies an enzyme critical for normal wound healing in diabetes, suggesting a potential treatment with allopurinol. In diabetic mice, blocking uric acid production improved healing rates.
A new study links severe sleep-disordered breathing to epigenetic age acceleration, with women showing stronger associations than men. The study found that untreated sleep-disordered breathing can accelerate aging by the equivalent of 215-321 days.
Researchers found an interaction between BRD4 and the enzyme MTHFD1 from folate metabolism, which links gene regulation to transcriptional control. This discovery promises new approaches in cancer combination therapy for aggressive tumors.
Researchers at Monash University have identified two new epigenetic regulators, TAF5L and TAF6L, that maintain the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells by activating the oncogene c-Myc. These findings have significant potential for regenerative biology and cancer research.
A study found that breast cancer patients who don't respond to targeted therapy have distinct patterns of epigenetic modifications compared to those who do respond. The researchers identified 879 genes with higher methylation levels in resistant patients, suggesting potential targets for new treatments.
EpiSign analyzes DNA methylation patterns to diagnose or resolve variants of uncertain significance in patients with genetic disorders and congenital anomalies. The test has identified unique epigenetic signatures for 19 genetic disorders, including those associated with intellectual disability and congenital anomalies.
Researchers found that EZH2 delays AML development but facilitates tumor growth once established. Inhibiting EZH2 prolongs animal survival, prevents AML cell growth, and has therapeutic potential for treating the blood cancer. The study highlights a dual role of EZH2 in AML.
Erika J. Wolf receives $346,000 grant from NIA to investigate PTSD-related accelerated cellular aging in brain tissue. The study aims to gain insight into the physiological mechanisms and consequences of accelerated epigenetic aging.
Researchers at ISGlobal and ITM discovered that P. falciparum populations can develop resistance to certain antimalarial compounds by epigenetic changes in the expression of clag3 genes. This finding is significant because resistance acquired through epigenetic mechanisms can arise quickly, even during a single infection.
Researchers developed a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system to efficiently edit the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum's gene expression. By altering histone acetylation near invasion-related genes, they increased or decreased erythrocyte invasion efficiency.
Machine learning helps detect epigenetic features in genomes and identifies similarities between phenotypes and gene modifications.
Research from Duke University Medical Center found that cannabis use affects epigenetics, altering DNA methylation and structural changes in sperm. The study's findings raise concerns about the potential genetic impact of cannabis on children born to fathers who have used the substance.
A large study found that grandsons whose paternal grandfathers had high access to food during childhood are more likely to die from cancer and other causes. The researchers suggest that epigenetic changes may be responsible for this association, but more research is needed.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created the first map of methylation that reflects the functioning of the inner ear, revealing critical genes for hearing development. The discovery may lead to new therapeutics by modifying epigenetic signals to allow regeneration of hair cells.