Articles that explore the connection between epigenetics and diseases and disorders, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and more.
Understanding the intricate interplay between genetics and cancer progression has long captivated the scientific community. While genetic mutations have been the main focal point in oncology, recent strides have illuminated the profound influence of epigenetic modifications in the development of cancer. In a recent study published in the journal Nature, Dr. Eduard Porta from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute and his team have shed light on the pivotal role that epigenetics plays in steering cells on their journey from [more…]
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to transform healthcare by unraveling intricate patterns within complex biological data, laying the foundation for personalized medical solutions. Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden have pioneered an AI-driven method to analyze epigenetic data, with wide-ranging applications in medicine and biology. Their advanced models not only accurately estimate individuals’ chronological age but also discern their smoking history. In the realm of genetics, numerous factors come into play, dictating which genes are activated or deactivated at [more…]
In the ongoing pursuit of understanding Alzheimer’s disease (AD), scientists are taking a closer look at the genetic landscape. Their investigation has revealed thousands of genetic variants linked to AD, many of which were once overlooked as non-coding regions of the genome. Recent advancements in the field of epigenetics have illuminated the critical role these non-coding variants play in gene regulation. However, how these gene changes affect Alzheimer’s risk and brain cells is still unclear. Researchers from the University of [more…]
One remarkable trait of the immune system is its ability to remember past encounters with harmful pathogens, like viruses, parasites, and bacteria. The memory of these foreign agents, or “antigens” as they are called in scientific terms, allows for a swifter, more effective response if they happen to reappear. While immune memory is the basis of how vaccines work, the intricate underlying mechanisms and the causes of dysfunctional immune responses remain areas of active scientific exploration. In a recent study [more…]
All cancerous tumors exhibit these reversible epigenetic changes that could represent novel reprogrammable targets to address drug resistance (1). Recent research published in Communications Biology provides essential information about the specific epigenetic alterations that may be responsible for chemotherapy resistance (2). Drug Resistance in Cancer More than 90% of the mortality caused by cancer can be linked to drug resistance (3). The molecular mechanisms mediating drug resistance in cancerous cells include increased function of enzymes that render drugs ineffective, mutations [more…]
Researchers in the UK have discovered a new way to assess the risk of developing type 2 diabetes years before any symptoms appear. By analyzing changes found in the DNA of a person’s blood, scientists can now provide a more accurate prediction of the likelihood of developing this condition. This breakthrough has the potential to improve early detection and enable the implementation of preventive measures, ultimately reducing the economic and health burdens associated with type 2 diabetes. So, how does [more…]
For years, scientists have been trying to understand how a particular histone modification called H3K4me3 affects gene expression. Although it is known to play a role in activating genes, its precise function has been difficult to determine due to the presence of other similar proteins within the cell that have overlapping functions. Recently, however, the elusive function of H3K4me3 has finally been revealed. According to an article published in the journal Nature, this histone modification acts as a signaling system [more…]
For many people undergoing cancer treatment, chemotherapy is their best hope for recovery or remission. However, chemo may not always be effective enough, and combining it with other drugs or therapies can sometimes lead to serious side effects. Therefore, finding a safer alternative approach is necessary, especially for cancers that require aggressive treatment or fail to respond to traditional chemo. In this pursuit, many researchers are exploring the potential of phytochemicals as alternative cancer treatments. One such promising compound is [more…]
From the time we are born, the cells in our bodies are constantly replicating – creating and repairing the tissues of our organs, skin, bones, and more. This process, which splits one cell into two identical daughter cells, is called mitosis, and it allows the body to grow and heal over a lifetime. For the most part, our cells are very efficient at dividing. But as we age, impairment can occur, and the information once provided by the mother cell [more…]
Gene editing and artificial intelligence (AI) are two powerful discoveries that have the potential to revolutionize disease treatment. While gene editing can correct genetic defects, AI can analyze data better for improved decision-making. Using these technologies together would no doubt improve patient outcomes and potentially cure diseases. Now a new AI program from the Grossman School of Medicine at NYU Langone-Health and the University of Toronto is taking an older gene editing technology and improving it to enhance and expedite [more…]
