Articles tagged with Epigenetics
Researchers have identified a new mechanism governing critical processes in sexual reproduction during meiosis. The discovery reveals that a step-2 enzyme is modified by SUMO proteins, altering its function and working together with an unaltered enzyme to form SUMO chains.
Researchers at the Lactation Biology Symposium discovered that drinking milk at an early age can change how certain genes are expressed. This epigenetic effect can have long-term implications for behavior and cell development in offspring.
Mary Gehring's lab uses Arabidopsis as a model for human embryonic development to study gene expression in seeds. Her findings could lead to new insights into diseases caused by chromosomal modifications.
A UK study found that epigenetic changes play a key role in the development of chemotherapy resistance in bladder cancer. The researchers identified DNA hypermethylation as a potential biomarker to predict response to treatment, which could increase pathological complete response rates and spare nonresponders from adverse events.
A recent study published in Developmental Cell identifies piRNAs as the primary guides for epigenetic factors, controlling gene expression patterns in Drosophila. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer development and may lead to new therapeutic opportunities.
Researchers at OHSU found that epigenetic control, specifically DNA methylation and histone changes, play a crucial role in regulating puberty. By delaying puberty in female rats using targeted gene therapy, the study provides new insights into the complex protein/gene interactions involved.
Researchers found a significant link between herbivore activity, phenotypic plasticity, and epigenetic changes in European holly. The study suggests that plants can quickly respond to environmental changes through epigenetic modifications, making them more resilient.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina School have established a connection between histone H3 lysine 9 methylation and DNA methylation, implicating protein UHRF1 in their maintenance. This finding may provide clues to the underlying causes of disease and cancer.
A WSU study found that dioxin exposure to pregnant rats resulted in reproductive problems and disease in subsequent generations, including prostate disease and ovarian disease. The effects can be passed down to great-grandchildren, highlighting the potential long-term impact of environmental toxins on health.
Researchers at CAMH have identified 5-hmC, an epigenetic modification of DNA, as playing a key role in the brain's plasticity. The study found that 5-hmC is highly enriched in genes related to synapses, suggesting its involvement in learning and memory.
A new study suggests that choline supplementation during pregnancy can alter epigenetic expression of genes involved in cortisol production, leading to lower cortisol levels in babies. This can potentially reduce the risk of stress-related diseases throughout a child's life.
Researchers found that people with osteoarthritis have a signature epigenetic change responsible for increasing the levels of the destructive MMP13 enzyme. This discovery provides hope for targeted drug development to prevent disease progression and improve quality of life for arthritis sufferers.
Research found epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation, alter genes contributing to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammation and joint damage. RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes display a unique DNA methylome signature compared to normal FLS.
The DFG is establishing 20 new Collaborative Research Centres to tackle ambitious, long-term projects. The centres aim to improve our understanding of stress responses, develop new therapies for multiple sclerosis, and increase efficiency in gas turbines.
A team of researchers at King's College London has identified a group of 'ageing' genes that are switched on and off by natural mechanisms called epigenetic factors. These epigenetic processes can be caused by external factors such as diet, lifestyle and environment, and may be initiated from an early age.
Scientists are developing new medicines based on epigenetics, a quiet revolution in biology and chemistry that influences how genes work in health and disease. Four drugs approved for blood cancer have limitations due to lack of selectivity.
Researchers found that epigenetic mechanisms, such as reduced DNA methylation, contribute to high blood pressure and increased susceptibility to forming blood clots in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Inhibition of thromboxane synthase or dietary supplementation with folate may provide potential treatments for this condition.
A new study from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine has developed a computer program called EpiPredictor to rapidly identify genes targeted by epigenetic proteins. The program, which was funded in part by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas, shows promise for speeding up research in cancer epigenetics.
A WSU researcher found that environmental toxicants, including jet fuel and pesticides, can cause disease-causing compounds in offspring for up to three generations. The study demonstrates the potential for transgenerational disease development through epigenetic changes.
Research reveals that childhood maltreatment and parental loss can lead to epigenetic changes in the glucocorticoid receptor gene, increasing stress sensitivity and blunted cortisol responses. This association has significant public health implications, suggesting potential treatments to reverse epigenetic effects of childhood adversity.
A recent study using 30,000-year-old bison bones discovered in Canadian permafrost provides clues on animal adaptation to environmental changes. Researchers measured epigenetic modifications in extinct animals and populations, showing that it is possible to accurately measure these changes in ancient DNA.
Researchers found a significant increase in median survival time for patients with recurrent metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with a combination epigenetic therapy. The study, funded by SU2C and the National Cancer Institute, showed four patients achieving major objective responses to subsequent treatments.
Researchers mapped epigenetic changes in neurons from individuals with autism, finding hundreds of sites affected by histone methylation alterations. The study reveals considerable overlap between genetic and epigenetic risk maps for developmental brain disorders.
Patterns formed by a new DNA letter, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), suggest it has specific functions in stem cells and brain. The study's findings indicate that 5-hmC may poise genes to be turned on after being repressed.
Researchers have found that stress can be inherited through epigenetic changes, affecting gene expression and potentially influencing diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and schizophrenia. This discovery has implications for the impact of stress on future generations.
The study found two DNA modifications in mitochondrial genomes that regulate gene expression, similar to those in nuclear genomes. This discovery implies a system of gene control in mitochondria, which may contribute to cancer and other age-related diseases.
Researchers found that a small RNA pathway is required to establish DNA methylation, a process that silences genes. This discovery may lead to new therapies for cancer and other diseases by reactivating silenced tumor-suppressor genes.
Researchers have identified two major sub-types of breast cancer based on DNA methylation profiles, which could help refine cancer classification and predict treatment response. The study also revealed new information about sub-types of breast cancer and the potential for epigenetic therapy.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals the unique role of EZH2 enzyme in cancer, facilitating the development of selective small molecule therapeutics for specific forms of human lymphomas. The research highlights the importance of targeting HMTs in genetically-defined cancer patients with high unmet needs.
UK scientists have reported direct evidence that taking up smoking results in epigenetic changes associated with cancer. A study funded by Cancer Research UK found women who started smoking had a higher risk of acquiring p16 methylation, a type of epigenetic change linked to tumor suppressor genes.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of Jerdon's jumping ant and Florida carpenter ant, revealing clues to their complex social behavior and potential links to human aging. The findings highlight the importance of epigenetics in controlling gene expression, which may influence longevity and behavior.
Researchers found that epigenetic profiles of tumors had a direct association with diet, alcohol, and tumor size, providing new biomarkers for disease subtype and severity. The study's data show promise for tumor epigenetic signatures to provide more detailed tumor staging and prediction of prognosis.
Scientists have discovered a new epigenetic mechanism by which AMPK regulates gene expression, allowing direct control of cellular processes such as sugar storage and insulin production. This finding holds promise for the development of new therapies for diseases like diabetes and cancer.
A study found that smoking is associated with molecularly defined DNA changes and a subtype of colorectal cancer that emerges more frequently among older women. The researchers suggest that epigenetic modifications may play a role in the development of smoking-related colorectal carcinogenesis.
Dr Clare Scott and Dr Marnie Blewitt have been awarded fellowships worth AU$1.75 million to focus on lymphoma and breast cancer, respectively. Their research aims to improve outcomes for cancer patients by harnessing the body's natural killing machinery.
BPA exposure during pregnancy leads to epigenetic changes causing permanent reproductive issues in females, including fertility problems and hormone-related cancers. The study also suggests that early exposure can genetically program the uterus to be hyper-responsive to estrogen.
A new USC study reveals that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is associated with detectable changes in DNA methylation patterns, which may impact childhood asthma and cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that children exposed to maternal smoke had lower global methylation levels and higher methylation in certain genes.
Researchers discovered epigenetic changes in mice with chronic lymphocytic leukemia that occur before disease symptoms appear. These findings suggest an early methylation test could predict cancer development and delay its onset.
Research suggests that maternal nutrition, protein intake, and fat levels before conception can lead to epigenetic changes that affect fetal development and increase the risk of diseases later in life. Studies have shown that diet before pregnancy can cause abnormal growth, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems in offspring.
Researchers at UNC have redefined the process of X-inactivation, a genetic phenomenon that helps females avoid toxic genes. The new findings suggest Xist gene's role is more nuanced, and its absence may not trigger X-inactivation but rather allow genes to become active again.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal reveals that poor nutrition during pregnancy can lead to permanent genetic changes in the offspring, causing health problems such as diabetes, growth retardation, and cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that rat fetuses receiving inadequate nutrition became genetically primed to be b...
Research suggests that a mother's diet during pregnancy can induce epigenetic changes in her offspring, increasing their risk of developing allergic asthma. The study found that high-methyl-donor diets led to more severe airway disease and increased IgE levels in the blood.
Researchers have determined the 3D structure of UHRF1's Set and Ring Associated domain, crucial for ensuring accurate epigenetic code copying. This breakthrough facilitates a better understanding of epigenetics and its role in cancer development.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institute have detected chemical differences in genes that can lead to colorectal cancer. These findings suggest that diet and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of cancer by altering epigenetic code in healthy tissues.
A new study found that pregnant mothers taking folic acid or genistein supplements can protect their offspring from the negative effects of BPA, a common chemical used in plastics. The study showed that even low levels of BPA exposure can cause epigenetic changes in offspring, leading to increased disease susceptibility.
Researchers demonstrate that a combination of epigenetic drugs can reactivate the expression of over 1,000 genes in primary tumours of breast cancer patients. These reactivated genes play crucial roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and immune recognition, suggesting increased anti-tumour effects.
Research suggests that embryonic nutrition can impact health outcomes, with adaptations set in place during fetal development potentially leading to benefits later in life. For example, meadow voles have coats thickened or thinned based on day length exposure in early pregnancy, with no immediate survival value but later benefits.
St. Jude researchers successfully cloned embryos from mouse medulloblastoma cells using a reprogrammed nucleus model, demonstrating the potential for epigenetic factors to cause tumors. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of cancer and may lead to new therapies.
Researchers have found a possible association between IVF and an increased risk of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), a genetic disorder that can predispose children to cancer. BWS is characterized by excessive growth and occurs in about 1 in 15,000 births, with the incidence being significantly higher among IVF-conceived babies.