Articles tagged with Epigenetics
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 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.
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.
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.
A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology suggests that epigenetic treatments can alter the accumulation of mutations in tumors, potentially leading to more aggressive tumor growth. The researchers warn that these treatments should be used with caution and further studied before being used in clinical practice.
A new study by the University of Washington links childhood violence to accelerated biological aging in children as young as 8 years old. The researchers found that exposure to violence in childhood can affect both epigenetic and cellular aging, as well as pubertal development.
Researchers identified a system of communication networks that regulate metabolism, providing a detailed atlas illustrating how the body creates and uses energy. The study shows disruptions in these networks may lead to disease.
A Northwestern University study suggests that multiple pregnancies can lead to accelerated biological aging in women, as measured by telomere length and epigenetic age. Women with more pregnancies showed signs of faster cellular aging, even when currently pregnant, which challenges the idea that pregnancy itself makes women look younger.
Research shows that ambient temperature before conception influences offspring's brown adipose tissue activity and protection against excess weight and metabolic disorders. This epigenetic mechanism may explain why people in cold regions have higher levels of brown fat.
Researchers found that even extremely low doses of an endocrine disruptor caused epigenetic changes in a pregnant sow's DNA and its offspring. The study suggests that humans may also be affected by such chemicals, leading to a re-assessment of acceptable daily intake values.
A new study found that children and adolescents exposed to environmental risks like urbanization, abuse, or substance use are more likely to become violently aggressive adults. The research, led by Hannelore Ehrenreich, suggests epigenetic changes may play a role in this development.
Researchers found epigenetic changes in saliva linked to childhood trauma and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting saliva as a potential biomarker. The study aimed to identify early markers of abuse-related deaths and ASD diagnosis, providing insights into the impact of early life experiences on health outcomes.
Research by Tokyo Medical and Dental University reveals that early-life Fgf21 gene demethylation reduces diet-induced obesity in adulthood. The study, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates the persistence of this epigenetic change into adulthood and its potential role in metabolic disease prevention.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 10,000 people and found gene variants associated with intrinsic and extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration. Variants in the TERT gene were linked to older epigenetic aging rates and longer telomeres, highlighting its critical role in regulating the epigenetic clock.
Researchers identified unique epigenetic signatures for nine neurodevelopmental disorders, enabling better diagnosis with minimal clinical overlap. The signatures can be used to screen for multiple syndromes simultaneously and distinguish between similar cases.
Researchers have developed a novel compound called Corin that specifically targets epigenetic changes in melanoma cells, potentially leading to significant improvements in treatment outcomes. The new compound inhibits the growth of melanoma cells by targeting specific proteins involved in epigenetic modifications.
Researchers at UTHealth found that individuals with bipolar disorder exhibit accelerated epigenetic aging, which may explain why they are more prone to age-related diseases and have shorter lifespans. The study suggests that lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and substance use can contribute to this premature aging.
Researchers found that blood flow sends signals for heart 'cushion' cells to become fully formed valves through KLF2-Wnt signaling. This discovery supports an epigenetic explanation for common congenital valve defects.
A new study from UMass Amherst suggests that phthalate levels in expectant fathers can impact couples' reproductive success through epigenetic modifications of sperm DNA. The researchers found associations between certain phthalates and changes in sperm DNA methylation, which may influence early-life development.
Researchers use modern genetic sequencing tools to analyze more than 1,000 single-letter changes in the genetic code, finding new evidence that three similar-looking corals may be three separate species. This discovery could aid in conservation efforts and provide insight into coral epigenetics.
A new study by King's College London and the University of Bristol suggests that epigenetic changes in genes related to addiction and aggression present at birth may be linked to conduct problems in children. Conduct problems, costing £22 billion per year in the UK, can lead to chronic antisocial behavior across the lifespan.
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have discovered mysterious gene transcripts that arise in treated cancer cells. These transcripts, originating from ancient viral elements, may be used as biomarkers to monitor the effectiveness of epigenetic therapy.