News & Reviews Archives | What is Epigenetics?

A New Epigenetic Switch for Early Embryonic Development

December 19, 2024 WhatIsEpigenetics

For decades, scientists have been unraveling the intricate mechanisms that govern gene expression. While DNA methylation has long been recognized as a key player in this process, recent discoveries have unveiled a new player: 5-formylcytosine (5fC). This novel epigenetic modification has the potential to reshape our understanding of early development and disease. A team of researchers led by Professor Christof Niehrs at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) in Mainz, Germany, has made a groundbreaking discovery. Published in the journal [more…]

Cannabis Use Leaves a Lasting Mark on the Epigenome

October 22, 2024 Natalie Crowley

With the rising prevalence and legalization of cannabis worldwide, understanding its biological impact—especially on mental health—has become increasingly urgent. Research indicates that heavy use of high-potency cannabis significantly heightens the risk of mental health disorders. Factors such as starting at a young age and daily consumption further exacerbate this risk, underscoring the need for greater awareness of the potential consequences of cannabis use. Recent research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London and the [more…]

Linking the Brain & Heart: How Epigenetics Connects Stroke to Cardiovascular Disease

September 25, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Strokes have long been associated with acute brain injury, but their effects extend far beyond the initial event, influencing long-term health across multiple organs, especially the heart. Emerging research suggests that systemic inflammation following a stroke plays a crucial role in developing chronic comorbidities, such as cardiac dysfunction. A study published in Cell has shed light on a surprising connection between brain injury from a stroke and heart health. Researchers have discovered that specific immune cells, known as myeloid cells, [more…]

Chronic Hepatitis C Leaves Lasting Epigenetic Scars

August 13, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Hepatitis C is a silent yet formidable liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Unlike its acute form, which often resolves on its own, chronic hepatitis C persists, potentially leading to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and cancer. While groundbreaking advancements in direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments have revolutionized HCV management, achieving high cure rates, the battle isn’t entirely won. Emerging research indicates that the virus leaves a lasting imprint on the immune system, even after successful treatment. In [more…]

Synergistic Epigenetic Medications Show Promise in Colorectal Cancer and Beyond

July 12, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Colorectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, presenting a multifaceted challenge influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Despite advancements in treatment, there remains a pressing need for innovative therapies, particularly as cases rise among younger adults and at advanced disease stages. One promising approach lies in epigenetics, the study of chemical modifications on DNA and its packaging proteins that influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Cancer cells often display [more…]

Epigenetic Insights for Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease

June 19, 2024 Natalie Crowley

The recent FDA approval of Donanemab has sparked celebration within the Alzheimer’s research community, offering significant hope by slowing cognitive decline in some patients. However, it is clear to scientists that Donanemab is not a cure, and the quest to truly halt or reverse Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains ongoing. Donanemab works by targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, a hallmark protein buildup in AD’s pathology. While clearing these plaques marks a critical step, it may not address the root cause of [more…]

Researchers Unlock the Mysteries of Epigenetic Inheritance

April 30, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Understanding trait inheritance is crucial for unraveling the complexities of life’s blueprint and how it shapes the world around us. It provides insights into the transmission of characteristics from one generation to the next, shedding light on the mechanisms that underpin biological diversity and evolution. In a groundbreaking study featured in the journal Nature, researchers have unveiled the hidden secrets of how our DNA replication machinery meticulously safeguards and transfers epigenetic information during cell division. Led by Professor Yuanliang Zhai [more…]

Common Flame Retardant Alters the Epigenome of Aquatic Organisms

April 16, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Flame retardants are ubiquitous chemicals added to numerous consumer products to prevent the spread of fire. While they are essential in enhancing fire safety, their widespread use has raised concerns about their environmental and health impacts. One such flame retardant, triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), has gained popularity as an alternative to previously restricted compounds. However, recent studies suggest that TPhP may pose risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health through its potential to disrupt endocrine systems and alter gene expression. [more…]

Epigenetic Changes in Immune Cells Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease

April 2, 2024 Natalie Crowley

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that impacts millions globally. While the exact cause of the disease is still unknown, a recent study by Northwestern University (NU) has shed light on the potential role of epigenetic modifications in the immune system of Alzheimer’s patients. The study found that Alzheimer’s patients experience epigenetic changes in their blood’s immune system, which could be influenced by environmental factors, past infections, and lifestyle behaviors. These findings could pave the way for the development [more…]

New Tool Helps Researchers Link Epigenetic Modifications to Gene Expression

March 19, 2024 Natalie Crowley

In the quest to understand the intricate interplay between genetics and the environment in disease development, scientists have devoted extensive efforts to unraveling the structure and sequence of genetic material. A key focus of this research lies in exploring epigenetic marks, the chemical modifications made on DNA or its packaging proteins (histones) that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications serve as crucial regulators of gene activity, orchestrating when and how genes are turned on or off [more…]

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