December 2015 | What is Epigenetics?

HDAC inhibitors reduces kidney damage from cancer chemotherapy drug

HDAC Inhibitors Reduce Kidney Damage Caused by Cancer Therapy

December 29, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

The chemotherapy drug cisplatin has been successful in combating aggressive cancers, including neck and head, lung, and ovarian cancers, for nearly 40 years. However, many patients suffer from kidney damage as a result of the drug and there is currently no therapy available for treating or preventing cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Researchers have found that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can improve the kidneys in the presence of the cancer drug by eliminating 80 to 90 percent of kidney toxicity. They published their [more…]

Epigenetic Modifications Help Unlock the Molecular Mystery of Memory

December 22, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

Memory is perhaps one of the most fascinating processes, one that guides us through life and helps make us who we are. Many believe memory is linked to synaptic plasticity, the ability to strengthen existing neuronal connections and form new ones. Although the creation of memories is not fully understood, new research uncovers evidence that offers a glimpse into the molecular mechanisms underlying this complex process. The molecular mechanisms that store experiences and alter brain cell connections to improve plasticity [more…]

New Link Found Between DNA Methyltransferase and Antidepressants

December 15, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

In a new study, researchers have found that epigenetic effects can result from taking a popular antidepressant drug, which may help indicate whether or not a patient will respond positively to the drug. The research team, led by scientists in Germany from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, found a molecular pathway that changes global DNA methylation while in the presence of paroxetine, also referred to as Paxil, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed [more…]

Epigenetic and Genetic Connections to Schizophrenia in the Developing Brain

December 8, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

Connections between epigenetics and schizophrenia have been previously speculated, although no one knows for certain exactly how epigenetic tags may or may not control the development of the disease. Now, research conducted by a group of international scientists is helping us to understand the epigenetic and genetic components of schizophrenia in the developing human brain. Headed by researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School, Cardiff University and King’s College London, the study was published in Nature Neuroscience and details, [more…]

HDAC inhibitor and epigenetic effects on memory

HDAC Inhibitor Could Sharpen Memory and Treat Cancer

December 1, 2015 Bailey Kirkpatrick

New research has found that a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor drug used to treat cancer could also help sharpen memory and improve one’s ability to learn a new language. It could even help rewire the brain and sustain neurons which could be of benefit to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Researchers from Rutgers published a study in the Journal of Neuroscience that investigated a cancer treatment drug, RGFP966, and found that it had other positive effects that were previously [more…]

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