Bailey Kirkpatrick | Senior Author at What Is Epigenetics

About Bailey Kirkpatrick

Bailey Kirkpatrick is a science writer with a background in epigenetics and psychology with a passion for conveying scientific concepts to the wider community. She enjoys speculating about the implications of epigenetics and how it might impact our perception of wellbeing and the development of novel preventative strategies. When she’s not combing through research articles, she also enjoys discovering new foods, taking nighttime strolls, and discussing current events over a barrel-aged sour beer or cold-brewed coffee.

DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT) Control the Brain’s ‘Gender’?

Does DNA Methyltransferase Control the Brain’s ‘Gender’?

August 18, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

Did you know that most animals’ brains develop to be either female or male? Certain portions are different sizes and the amount of neurons and synaptic connections vary. These structural differences likely explain why women and men generally differ in terms of language abilities, navigational skills, and response to emotional situations. While the sexualization of the brain happens prenatally, scientists are still wondering how exactly this differentiation happens. A study conducted by a research team at UM SOM, the University [more…]

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Study Uncovers Stem Cells' Ability to Form into Pancreatic Cells and Not Liver Cells

New Function of ‘Master Regulator’ in Pancreatic Cell Formation Uncovered in Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Study

August 11, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

Can a gene direct embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to develop into one organ, while also serving to prevent it from becoming another? Researchers at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore used a technique known as chromatin immunoprecipitation to demonstrate this occurrence. They found that one particular human gene directs ESCs to develop into a pancreas but also, at the same time, it acts as a repressor by preventing the stem cells from turning into liver cells. [more…]

Bisulfite Sequencing Method SMRT-BS Could Improve DNA Methylation Analysis

New SMRT-BS Method to Revolutionize Quantitative, Multiplexed Targeted Bisulfite Sequencing for Methylation Analysis

August 4, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

Bisulfite sequencing offers researchers a profound look into the epigenome and the methylation status of genes. A significant driving force in the development of epigenetic research since 1992, the detection of CpG methylation and methylation abnormalities in DNA via bisulfite sequencing has become overwhelmingly popular – and interest continues to grow. The unparalleled power of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms provides researchers with new insights into the nuances of gene expression and countless other critical cellular processes. Still, bioinformatics expertise, cost, [more…]

Chromatin immunoprecipitation hints that HDACi drug could slow cancer growth

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Study Supports HDAC Inhibitor as Possible Lung Cancer Treatment

July 28, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

A person’s genetic code can contribute to their risk for developing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 85% of lung cancers. Epigenetics, the study of chemical tags that impact gene expression without altering the genetic sequence, is shown to also profoundly influence the development of cancer. In a study by Asan Medical Center researchers from The University of Ulsan College of Medicine in Korea, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-chip assays and other techniques were used to investigate the epigenetic [more…]

New Research Sheds Light on the Epigenetics of Common Variable Immunodeficiency

July 21, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

For the very first time, epigenetic alterations have been linked to common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), the most commonly diagnosed primary immunodeficiency that leads to a decrease in antibodies and an increase in developing an infection. Scientists at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and La Paz Hospital (IDIPAZ) in Spain looked at monozygotic twins and measured epigenetic differences, specifically DNA methylation levels, between one twin with CVID and the other without the disease. The group of researchers, directed by Dr. [more…]

Histone Demethylation Plays a Role in Turning Stem Cells into Blood Vessel Cells

July 7, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

How stem cells become specific cell types is an intricate process, yet understanding the mechanisms that trigger this process may well prove to be beneficial for use in repairing and regenerating tissue. In a recent study, scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago investigated the molecular mechanism, histone demethylation, and how it plays an essential role in mediating the conversion of stem cells into mature endothelial cells, which then produce blood vessels. Their findings, recently published in Stem Cell [more…]

An Epigenetic Link Between Memory Loss and Epilepsy

June 30, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a potential epigenetic explanation for why individuals with epilepsy, particularly temporal lobe epilepsy, usually experience memory loss. They even propose a way to undo that loss of memory. Published recently in the Annals of Translational and Clinical Neurology, a group of UAB scientists believes their results could progress our understanding of numerous other disorders involving memory loss and could lead to a therapeutic approach for restoring proper memory function via [more…]

DNA Methylation, Melting DNA, and Twins: Advancing Forensic Investigations

June 23, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

DNA profiling, also known as genetic fingerprinting has been crucial to the forensic investigation of crime scenes since the 1980s. Although important to the success of many cases, this technique comes with some limitations, particularly when investigators are trying to match DNA evidence to a twin. Using this method, it is difficult to conclusively determine which twin may be innocent and which may be guilty because of their identical DNA sequence. Scientists at the University of Huddersfield, however, conducted research [more…]

The Epigenetics of Father’s Day: 3 Little Known Reasons to Thank Your Dad

June 16, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

Along with Father’s Day comes the typical thank-yous, the gratitude that never quite seems to be enough for the love Dad has shown for all the years. Maybe your father encouraged you through difficult times or supported you when you needed it most. These are wonderful things to thank your dad for, but there might be something you’ve been missing all along. Have you ever thought of thanking him for being an epigenetic hero? Your dad’s behavior and experiences may [more…]

Bisulfite Sequencing of Ancient DNA May Lead to Clues about Old Populations

June 9, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

For the first time, anthropologists from The University of Texas at Austin have shown that epigenetic tags on DNA, such as DNA methylation, can be successfully detected in the remains of ancient human DNA using bisulfite sequencing. These results can help progress future studies to enhance our understanding of disease and famine experienced by those from ancient times. Epigenetic research assesses various chemical marks made to DNA which do not alter the underlying genetic code, but impact how certain genes [more…]

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Articles by Bailey Kirkpatrick