Articles tagged with Epigenetics
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.
A new study from Uppsala University found that tea consumption in women leads to epigenetic changes in genes related to cancer and estrogen metabolism. However, coffee consumption was not associated with such changes.
A new study found that polyunsaturated fat caused epigenetic changes in participants' fat tissue, leading to differences in fat storage. The results suggest that polyunsaturated fat may have a more positive impact on health compared to saturated fat.
Research finds lower DNA methylation levels at birth are associated with increased fat mass and a higher risk of obesity in children, with potential implications for prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers at Brown University have identified genes with epigenetic tags associated with shorter sleep in young adults. The study used a combination of human and worm experiments to discover the connection, finding that knocking out analogous genes in worms affected sleep patterns.
Researchers at Babraham Institute and European Bioinformatics Institute identified a mouse epigenetic ageing clock, which shows age-related changes in DNA methylation. The accuracy of the mouse clock is surprisingly similar to humans, with lifestyle interventions affecting ticking rate.
In this study, researchers created physically embodied robots to examine the interaction between genetic and epigenetic factors in robot evolution. The results show that robot populations with an epigenetic factor evolved differently than those without, highlighting the importance of including epigenetic factors in robot evolution.
Researchers created a genome-wide map of genes switched on and off in aggressive uterine cancer tumors, revealing a 'signature' of these switches throughout the genome. This discovery supports the idea that cancer cells suffer from an 'identity crisis', switching off specific genes to spread quickly.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that large regions of the human genome have built-in variability in reversible epigenetic modifications, which enables cancer cells to proliferate and adapt. This variation can make cancer cells more resistant to chemotherapy and treatment.
A recent study at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that a protein called ENL plays a key role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-growing cancer of bone marrow and blood cells. Depletion of ENL led to anti-leukemic effects, suggesting BET inhibitor drugs as a potential treatment for AML.
Researchers at Rutgers and other universities created a new way to identify stem cells' state and fate, allowing for better manipulation of cells for therapy. The approach uses super-resolution microscopy to analyze epigenetic modifications, identifying changes that signal a cell's future type.
Researchers have documented epigenetic changes in sperm of men who underwent chemotherapy in their teens, potentially affecting tissue health in subsequent generations. The study suggests that preserving sperm before undergoing chemotherapy may be necessary to mitigate these effects.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that prenatal infection can cause long-term alterations in the programming of the offspring's genome through epigenetic modifications, leading to behavioral abnormalities. The findings suggest that earlier infection may lead to more serious effects on neurodevelopment.
Researchers at Uppsala University have found a new principle for epigenetic changes, involving the tryptase enzyme that cleaves histone tails. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining cellular identity and preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation.
A large study from Boston Children's Hospital found that epigenetic modifications to DNA, specifically DNA methylation, are linked to an increased risk of obesity-related health problems. The researchers identified 83 sites in the genome where methylation changes were associated with differences in energy balance and lipid metabolism.
A biomarker has been identified to aid in the prognosis of pediatric ependymomas, a subset of brain tumors. This discovery may lead to novel therapeutic options and more effective treatments for children with these tumors.