Articles tagged with Epigenetics
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.
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.
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 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.
Early epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in determining the fate of neurons during embryogenesis. Deregulation of Uhrf1, a key epigenetic gene, leads to activation of endogenous retroviruses, causing accumulation of retroviral proteins and cell death.
Researchers develop targeted epigenetic approach to treat aggressive forms of leukemia by inhibiting key chromatin regulators. This method demonstrates promising results in reversing leukemia-causing gene activity and promoting normal blood cell development.
Researchers discovered that supplementing an epigenetic cancer drug with vitamin C enhances its ability to impede cancer cell growth and trigger cellular self-destruction. The therapy combines azacitidine with vitamin C, addressing a common deficiency in cancer patients. If successful, the approach may improve the existing therapy for ...
Research reveals that hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, can cause epigenetic alterations leading to cancer growth. Normalizing oxygen supply inhibits these changes, suggesting new anti-cancer drug targets.
A UCLA study finds that Latinos age more slowly at the molecular level, with an epigenetic clock measuring their age as 2.4 years younger than non-Latino women of the same age after menopause. This discovery may help scientists understand how to slow the aging process for everyone.
Autoinflammatory diseases are characterized by recurrent acute inflammatory episodes due to deregulation of the inflammatory process. Researchers have identified epigenetic alterations in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), which could lead to the development of novel biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
A new study on lactose intolerance may provide insights into the origin of schizophrenia and other complex mental illnesses. Epigenetic factors that build up over time in individuals with genetic predisposition can lead to delayed onset of symptoms.
Scientists at UC Berkeley have identified a key epigenetic switch that increases lifespan in mammals, offering hope for new treatments to improve human metabolic function. The discovery was made in the nematode worm C. elegans and found to be linked to increased lifespan in mice.
Alterations in chromatin structure are essential for cancer development, accelerating cell cycle progression and malignant transformation. Changes in epigenetic factors and histone variants confer to cancer cells the ability to reprogram their genomes.
A recent study found that HIV infection can lead to an average age acceleration of 4.9 years due to epigenetic changes, increasing the risk of mortality by 19%. The researchers suggest that early intervention and healthy lifestyle choices may help mitigate these risks.
Researchers at Lund University developed a new method to predict type 2 diabetes risk by detecting epigenetic changes in specific genes through a simple blood test. The study found that higher DNA methylation levels were associated with increased insulin secretion and lower disease risk.
A new Northwestern Medicine study links a biological age discrepancy to increased cancer risk and mortality. The study found that individuals with an epigenetic age 2.2 years older than their chronological age have a higher risk of dying from cancer.
Research in Child Development Journal explores gene-environment interaction and epigenetics' role in shaping child behavior. Studies link methylation of specific genes to important developmental outcomes from prenatal period through young adulthood.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics found a novel epigenetic switch regulating genes in mice, leading to two distinct phenotypes. This discovery fundamentally alters our understanding of how epigenetics influences gene outcomes and has implications for obesity and other diseases.
Researchers found that DNA methylation plays a key role in regulating social dominance in cichlid fish. By altering gene expression, these fish can change their social status, which is linked to better health and quality of life.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified pivotal changes in epigenetic pathway genes required for forming the cerebellum's circuitry. The study reveals that specific epigenetic regulators are crucial for neuronal connections and ion channel expression.
Scientists have identified a new type of epigenetic modification that directly affects the base A in human and mouse DNA. This discovery suggests that many more DNA modifications exist than previously thought, which could impact gene regulation and human health.
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center find that freshwater marbled crayfish exhibit parthenogenesis, a process where animals reproduce without fertilization, and use this as an ideal model for studying epigenetics in cancer. The discovery could lead to new insights into the development of the disease.
A new study reveals how breast cancer cells become desensitized to lapatinib, a common cancer drug, by turning FOXO into an oncogene c-Myc. The researchers hope to develop new tools to fix this adaptation pathway and improve therapy for HER2+ breast cancer.
Research at ASHG 2015 Annual Meeting found that smoking and heavy alcohol use cause epigenetic changes reflecting accelerated biological aging. Moderate alcohol consumption was surprisingly correlated with the healthiest aging outcomes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that infancy's gut development can have lifelong implications on intestinal health. The study discovered that epigenetic changes and the gut microbiome play a crucial role in shaping intestinal stem cells, which control gut physiology throughout life.
Geneticists identify a gene called MANTLED, which helps determine the fate of sexual organs and causes male organs to develop instead as female organs. The mutation leads to plants with worthless fruit, resulting in millions of dollars in spoilage.
Researchers have discovered a novel epigenetic mechanism that causes the mantled phenotype in oil palms, resulting in reduced oil yields and sterility. A leaf-based test can predict the mantling phenotype at an early stage, enabling the exclusive cultivation of high-performing clonal palms.
Researchers used new methods to compare two stem cell types and found one superior at producing retinal cells. The study demonstrates a standardized method for quantifying effectiveness, which could advance treatments for age-related macular degeneration and other vision loss disorders.
Researchers identified a significant association between low DNA methylation scores and radiographic progression in ankylosing spondylitis. Smoking was also found to worsen disease outcomes, with smokers exhibiting more rapid joint damage than non-smokers.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism linking chronic inflammation to cancer progression, revealing the role of MUC1 and p65 in driving pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression. This discovery offers potential therapeutic targets for developing drugs that can interrupt the cancer-inflammation process.
The University of Illinois College of Medicine will create a Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics (CARE) to investigate the impact of long-term alcohol exposure on genes. Researchers will explore how epigenetic changes influence gene expression and behavior, aiming to develop new pharmacotherapies for alcoholism.