Articles tagged with Epigenetics
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.
A McGill University team has identified a mechanism by which environmental factors influence the expression of genes controlling complex traits. By manipulating DNA methylation levels, researchers were able to create variation in worker ant sizes, shedding light on the interplay between genetics and environment in shaping these traits.
A team of researchers identified a key epigenetic factor EZH2 that plays a central role in controlling tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma. The study found that suppressing EZH2 activity can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
A novel analytical method enables characterization of epigenetic tags, revealing that the system adapts to the loss of single epigenetic writer and eraser enzymes. The study also finds that biological systems can compensate for the loss of individual functional components by attaching novel acetylation tags at nearby sites.
Researchers found that exposure to diesel exhaust for just two hours can alter DNA methylation, changing the expression of approximately 400 genes. This epigenetic shift can have long-term effects on health, even without noticeable symptoms.
Researchers have developed a novel treatment approach for persistent viral infections like herpes by blocking the activity of host cell protein LSD1, reducing HSV infection, shedding, and recurrence. This epigenetic therapy shows promise as an antiviral strategy to control shedding and reactivation of latent virus.
The Van Andel Research Institute-funded epigenetics dream team will focus on epigenetic mechanisms in cells to control gene expression. The team will move forward with more extensive clinical trials in other cancer types to improve upon the progress already made.
Roberto Bonasio, PhD, receives NIH New Innovator Award to study epigenetic memory in ants and its implications for biological processes. The award supports his research on gene expression controlled by epigenetic pathways that alter chromosome structure.
Researchers used an epigenetic clock to measure the biological age of liver tissues in obese subjects, finding a significant acceleration of liver aging. The study suggests that obesity may contribute to the premature development of age-related diseases such as liver cancer and insulin resistance.
Researchers at MU School of Medicine identified epigenetic protein changes caused by binge drinking, which can amplify liver damage and lead to chronic liver failure. The study suggests that excessive alcohol consumption with a binge drinking pattern is a major public health concern globally.
A new study has found a wide range of epigenetic changes in children with Crohn's disease, which may be related to key environmental exposures. The research suggests that these changes could have early implications for clinical management of the disease.
Researchers found that infants exposed to opioids in utero had more severe symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome, with higher DNA methylation levels. This study suggests a link between early exposure and lasting epigenetic changes, potentially affecting future sensitivity to addictive substances.
Scientists have identified key DNA sequences and regulatory proteins controlling blood stem cell fate, revealing a more dynamic process than previously thought. The discovery has implications for developing diagnostic tools, personalized medicine, and regenerative therapies.
Black truffles use complex genetic makeup and DNA methylation to regulate jumping genes, adapting to changes in their surroundings. This unique process sheds light on how fungi adapt to environmental changes without an active spore dispersal system.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine created a mouse model showing that epigenetic alterations alone can cause cancer. DNA methylation changes led to a higher incidence of spontaneous cancers and reduced survival in the mice.
Researchers have found that disturbed blood flow leads to epigenetic changes in genes lining blood vessels, contributing to atherosclerosis. The study suggests that good blood flow patterns can persist over time due to these lasting changes.
A study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that DNA modifications in the blood of stressed mice correlate with changes in brain tissue, providing a valid comparison between the two. The research linked epigenetic changes to altered gene function, shedding light on the relationship between stress and psychiatric diseases.
A new discovery identifies a key protein called PCAF that promotes nerve growth in the central nervous system, leading to increased nerve fibers regrowing. The study suggests that PCAF may be used to trigger nerve regeneration and potentially lead to recovery from spinal cord injury or brain trauma.