Articles tagged with Epigenomics
A new study found that neutral maternal behavior at 12 months correlates with an epigenetic change in children related to stress response. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort of mother-infant pairs and found a small increase in methylation on the NR3C1 gene, which regulates the body's response to stress.
Researchers found 270 distinct differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in AD brains compared to normal controls, validating their key findings using an independent cohort. The study offers a novel approach to investigating the relationship between DNA methylation and gene/protein expression.
Eleni Tomazou's project aims to create in vitro and in vivo models of pediatric sarcomas to accelerate drug discovery and precision medicine. Her work could lead to a significant impact on the treatment of these deadly cancers.
Scientists have mapped and analyzed DNA methylation profiles in 580 different animal species, providing insights into the evolutionary conservation of epigenetic mechanisms. The study reveals that DNA methylation constitutes a cancer-protective mechanism in large animals with long lifespans, contradicting Peto's paradox.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine find that a widely used tool is not suitable for population epigenetics, leading to the discovery of 72 times more genetic variants associated with disease. This finding highlights the need for a better understanding of epigenetic causes of disease.
Researchers found that early prenatal alcohol exposure changes gene function and epigenome in placenta and human embryonic stem cells. These changes are associated with altered DNA methylation patterns, particularly in genes linked to nervous system development, such as DPPA4 and FOXP2.
Researchers found that differences in epigenetic DNA methylation predict behavioral differences between dogs better than genetic markers. Epigenetics are more informative for behavior than genetics, and the results open up new possibilities for screening and selecting desired behavioral traits in companion or service dogs.
Lei Zhang receives $1 million grant to study epigenomic analysis of premature aging syndromes, exploring DNA damage's role in aging. The award supports GerOmics research, a rapidly evolving field that combines genomics, epigenomics, and other omics disciplines.
A new study of twins found that consistent exercise can change the molecules in the human body that influence gene behavior, leading to lower signs of metabolic disease. The study suggests that markers of metabolic disease are strongly influenced by how a person interacts with their environment, rather than just their inherited genetics.
Researchers have developed a unique resource for understanding the impact of early life environmental exposures on health. The study, which analyzed data from 1,301 mother-child pairs, identified associations between 92 in pregnancy and 116 in childhood with molecular profiles at different levels.
Researchers at John Innes Centre discovered a mechanism of flowering plant sperm compaction using histone protein H2B.8. This mechanism allows for moderate nuclear condensation without compromising gene activity, essential for immotile sperm and pollen tube travel.
A new rodent study found that low doses of alcohol can trigger epigenomic and transcriptomic changes in the brain, creating an epigenetic pathway for addiction. The research suggests that even small quantities of alcohol can prime the brain for addiction, regardless of sex or quantity.
Researchers suggest a new approach for regulating genetically engineered (GE) crops by examining the specific characteristics of the crop itself. The '-omics' methods can be used to scan new crop varieties for unexpected DNA changes, eliminating the need for safety testing if the product is substantially equivalent to existing varieties.
A study found that genetically unrelated individuals with extreme facial similarities share common genetic variants, but differ in epigenetic and microbiome landscapes. The results suggest a molecular basis for human resemblance, with potential implications in forensics and biomedicine.
The UTHSC team will examine the process biochemically using baker's yeast as a genetic model to determine how mTORC1 regulates the epigenome. Understanding these biochemical mechanisms may identify novel targets for anticancer drug development and treat neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that even terminally exhausted T cells retain some capacity to function again. They identified approaches to overcome exhaustion by targeting co-stimulation pathways and reprogramming T cells to be resistant to hypoxia, a common tumor microenvironmental signal.
Researchers have constructed a comprehensive map of CLL genetic changes, providing a better understanding of the complex malignancy. The study identifies key genes and subtypes with distinct prognoses, paving the way for more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments.
Researchers discovered that chromatin entropy increases during aging, leading to epigenetic dysregulation and cellular senescence. The study found that aberrant expression of placenta-related genes is a key driver of cellular aging.
Researchers identified genes and epigenomic marks that enable cancer cells to resist chemotherapy. By inhibiting these marks, epi-drugs can restore treatment sensitivity. Future clinical trials aim to adapt this concept for human use.
A new genomic platform has been developed to study the mouse epigenome, allowing researchers to analyze 285,000 epigenetic control points. The system uses microarrays to detect changes in DNA methylation sites and has been validated using archival specimens.
Researchers found a unique bivalent histone-mark switch specific to critical transcription factors that induce genes essential for angiogenesis. The histone modifiers responsible for this modification are vital for postnatal angiogenesis.
Roswell Biotechnologies has developed a molecular electronics sensor on a semiconductor chip, enabling real-time detection of single molecules for diverse applications including drug discovery, diagnostics, and DNA sequencing. The platform offers unlimited scalability in sensor pixel density and high resolution measurements.
Epidemiologists have developed a new blood test, DunedinPACE, to measure biological aging. The test uses DNA methylation marks to track changes in organ-system integrity over time, predicting future disease and mortality.
Researchers identified epimutations in cheek cells that can predict rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility. The discovery could lead to a non-invasive diagnostic test for the disease. Biomarkers were found in both Caucasian and African-American women with rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a strong signal for the disease.
Scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified specific genetic biomarkers in blood samples that can indicate the severity of COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that these signals can be used to monitor SARS-CoV-2 status and predict clinical outcomes.
Researchers create detailed atlas of mouse cerebrum, revealing distinct cell types and gene regulatory elements. The study provides insights into brain organization and function, with potential implications for human neurological diseases and traits.
Researchers have made progress in creating a brain atlas of the mouse brain, which will help develop tools for studying the human brain. The study describes the diversity of neurons in the mouse brain and establishes new methods for characterizing cell types and neural connections.
Cancer is driven by changes to DNA and epigenome, which evolve during the cancer life cycle. Advanced technologies are mapping genomic and epigenomic changes in three-dimensional tumour context, revealing new insights into cancer formation and progression.
Aging stem cells in bone marrow lose function due to epigenetic changes that affect bone production. Researchers reverse these changes by adding acetate, rejuvenating the epigenome and improving stem cell activity. This finding holds promise for treating diseases like osteoporosis.
Researchers at UC San Diego will use $6.4 million in NIH funding to study the influence of external signals on insulin production in beta cells. They aim to create a roadmap of genetic variations that can predict changes in insulin output, which may help prevent and treat diabetes.
Researchers analyzed epigenomic signals in human and primate cell lines, revealing weak signals linked to brain functions. The findings provide insights into the evolution of human biology and offer a new model for studying regulatory elements.
Researchers have identified a critical role for DNA replication timing in controlling the packing of DNA with its regulatory factors, known as the epigenome. The study found that disrupting this program can lead to inappropriate cellular functions and negative health outcomes.
Scientists have developed a novel CRISPR-based tool called CRISPRoff, which allows for the silencing of almost any gene in human cells without making DNA edits. This technology has significant therapeutic potential, particularly for rare genetic disorders that are caused by a single damaged copy of a gene.
A comprehensive epigenome map has been created, revealing genetic control elements linked to hundreds of human traits. The researchers identified 300 modules controlling specific biological processes and predicted links between control elements and target genes.
A new whole-body tissue map of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) modifications was published, expanding understanding of a global biomarker for disease diagnosis. The map confirms 5hmC as a prevalent gene activation mark with superb tissue specificity, providing a resource for future diagnostic tests.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have mapped out an additional layer of control guiding tumor evolution through epigenomic alterations. They identified 11 chromatin states that cancer cells can pass through as they become more aggressive, and found a key molecule linked to advanced lung cancer forms.
Research on air pollution's impact on ILD reveals associations between pollutant exposure and increased risk of developing the disease. Epigenetic methods hold promise for understanding this relationship, but more study is needed to quantify effects.
Researchers found that brief exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during liver development can prematurely age the epigenome, leading to accelerated aging and increased susceptibility to metabolic disorders. This study highlights the long-term effects of environmental exposures on health and disease susceptibility.
A research team at the University of California, Irvine has been awarded $3.8 million to investigate epigenomic changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer's disease. The team aims to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for early detection and treatment.
NEI researchers identify 2,054 differentially methylated regions in mouse rod photoreceptors, revealing distinct shifts in gene expression that contribute to age-related disease susceptibility. The study suggests targeting the epigenome as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent leading causes of vision loss, such as AMD.
Research led by UMass Amherst scientist Alexander Suvorov identified the mechanism responsible for flame retardant's effect: an altered liver epigenome. Perinatal exposure permanently changed liver metabolism in rats, potentially applicable to humans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used targeted gene epigenome editing to reverse a genetic mutation causing WAGR syndrome, a condition leading to intellectual disability and obesity. The study suggests the potential for developing epigenome editing therapies to prevent brain developmental disorders.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a microfluidic technology to study diseases such as breast cancer and schizophrenia using low-input sequencing methods like MOWChIP-seq, allowing for the analysis of epigenomes in smaller cell numbers.
Arizona State University will create a field-deployable device that can detect epigenetic signatures created by exposure to threat agents in under 30 minutes. The project, valued at $38.8 million, aims to identify and discriminate epigenetic changes to reveal the exact type and time of exposure.
A new study created the first comprehensive genomic map of fat cells, revealing unique features that appear to 'hard-wire' different types of fat. The findings may guide future research into the drivers of harm arising from fat build-up in different parts of the body.
A new computational model facilitates diagnosis of previously unsolved cases of neurodevelopmental and congenital abnormalities by examining DNA methylation. The test resolved dozens of new cases, providing a specific diagnosis that can help predict the course of the disease.
A study published in Aging Cell found age- and health-related differences in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) packaging, which could be used to determine biological age. The researchers detected well-spaced nucleosomes in younger individuals but less regular patterns in older groups.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a method to identify important genes in the human genome using natural selection. By analyzing epigenomic features and evolutionary history, they created fitness consequence maps that can guide future research.
A new approach to epigenomic profiling has been developed that can analyze DNA-protein interactions using very small numbers of cells, ranging from 100 to 1,000. This technique, called Chromatin Integration Labeling sequencing (ChIL-seq), allows for the detection of histone modifications and DNA-binding factors with high precision.
Researchers have developed an assay that concurrently profiles the epigenome and transcriptome of each cell type, revealing how different cells interpret their genetic code. The study provides insights into the relationship between epigenome and transcriptome, as well as the regulation of gene expression across various cell types.
Researchers discovered that gene regulation is largely digital and stochastic, with genes being on or off for a fraction of time. This finding adds complexity to human diseases, such as neuropsychiatric disorders, and may help better understand dosage-sensitive genes contributing to these conditions.
A study published in Science Advances reveals significant differences in molecular machinery that turns on and off gene expression between cerebellum and prefrontal cortex. The research provides insights into the molecular apparatus involved in conscious thinking and may lead to the development of drugs to treat mental illnesses.
A study from the University of Illinois shows that a post-weaning low-fat diet can reverse epigenetic changes caused by a maternal high-fat diet, reducing the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This suggests that dietary changes later in life can affect gene expression and metabolic pathways.
Hao Wu, a Penn Medicine genetics researcher, has received a 2017 NIH New Innovator award to pursue high-risk research on epigenome editing. The grant will fund his study of how the epigenome of heart muscle cells respond and adapt to changing environmental oxygen levels.
Research suggests that early-life BPA exposure can lead to fatty liver disease by reprogramming gene expression. The study found that BPA creates new activating epigenomic marks on genes driving the progression of NAFLD in rats.
A study has identified the gut microbiome's role in regulating host gene expression through the epigenome. A plant-based diet favors a healthier microbiome and promotes interplay between microbes and host cells. This research suggests that a Western diet may disrupt this communication, leading to potential health issues.
Scientists have established comprehensive maps of the human epigenome, revealing how genes are active in specific cells. The maps, published by the International Human Epigenome Consortium, provide insights into cellular differentiation and potential new treatments for diseases.
Research reveals that over 68% of individuals with different types of autism share a common set of epigenetic modifications in the brain. This finding suggests that a single global epigenetic pattern could underlie diverse manifestations of the psychiatric disease. Epigenetic drugs may hold potential as novel treatments for ASD.
The Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme at CNIO has contributed to the BLUEPRINT project, a major European initiative studying the human epigenome. The project has generated a large volume of epigenomic data, which is now accessible for research, facilitating new ways to diagnose and treat diseases.
Researchers from BC Cancer Agency, UBC and SFU published key papers on epigenetic profiles and methodology for analyzing stem cells. The study aims to understand gene regulation in response to environmental signals and develop new ways to diagnose and treat diseases.