News & Reviews Archives | What is Epigenetics?

Unveiling the Epigenetic Mechanism Behind Immune Memory & T-Cell Dysfunction

September 5, 2023 Natalie Crowley

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…]

The Epigenetic Impact of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy on Child’s Health

August 8, 2023 Natalie Crowley

In recent years, the popularity and availability of cannabis has grown significantly, with various consumption methods like edibles gaining traction. However, alongside this trend, there has been a worrisome increase in cannabis use among pregnant women. Unfortunately, our understanding of the detailed effects of using cannabis during pregnancy on the developing child remains limited. Because normal fetal development relies on the crucial process of epigenetic regulation and gene expression modification, it has been suggested that studying the molecular changes linked [more…]

Breaking the Cycle: Promising Epigenetic Breakthrough in Opioid Addiction Relapse Prevention

July 25, 2023 Pamela A. Harvey

Opioid misuse has led to an unprecedented crisis, with more than 3 million people in the United States experiencing dependence or addiction (1). Despite the success of in-patient rehabilitation programs, relapse rates are approaching 90%, creating a critical need for effective relapse prevention strategies (2). To address this, researchers from Boston University and Icahn School of Medicine asked whether long-term changes in gene transcription occur after opioid withdrawal. Their analyses identified a novel epigenetic mechanism involved in difficult withdrawal symptoms [more…]

Study Reveals How Epigenetic Changes Allow Pioneer TFs to Access DNA

July 11, 2023 Natalie Crowley

Think of DNA as a thread wound around a spool. It’s packed and wrapped around structures called nucleosomes, resembling beads along the thread. This compact packaging provides organization and protection for the DNA. However, in areas where the DNA is densely packed, it can pose a challenge for proteins attempting to reach it. Interestingly, there are certain proteins that possess the remarkable ability to access tightly wound DNA. These proteins, known as pioneer transcription factors, have evolved special mechanisms that [more…]

DNA Methylation as a Tool for Predicting Type 2 Diabetes Risk

June 13, 2023 Natalie Crowley

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…]

Exposure to Chemicals in Plastics During Development Could Increase the Risk of Autism and Dementia

May 30, 2023 Pamela A. Harvey

Associations between prenatal exposure to chemicals like endocrine disruptors found in plastics and the development of neurological diseases later in life have been well described (1). Although mechanisms have been proposed for how endocrine disruptors affect human health (2), those mediating the development of neurological conditions like autism and dementia have been difficult to elucidate because of the multifactorial nature of these diseases. Researchers, therefore, considered the issue through a new lens: inherited DNA methylation patterns. Bisphenols and phthalates are [more…]

New Epigenetic Method Detects Differences in Animal Farming Practices

May 16, 2023 Natalie Crowley

In today’s world, there is an increased emphasis on eating healthy and being environmentally friendly. One of the key factors in achieving these goals is the source of the food we eat. Consumers are now more conscious of where their food comes from and want to be sure that it is grown in an environment free of harsh chemicals that supports health. But how can we be sure that the food we’re eating comes from an organic or free-range farm? [more…]

Mom’s Behavior May Leave a Lasting Mark on Her Child’s Genes

May 2, 2023 Natalie Crowley

From the moment a child is born, a mother’s love and care are crucial for their physical and mental development, especially during the critical early stages of infancy. The environment and experiences children encounter during these formative years can have a lasting impact on their biology and health, even influencing future generations. Recently, a study out of Washington State University (WSU) has added to our understanding of the crucial role played by mothers. The study found that a mother’s behavior [more…]

Researchers Discovered the Start and Stop Controls of Gene Expression

April 18, 2023 Natalie Crowley

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…]

Green Phytochemical Epigenetically Enhances Cancer Treatment

April 4, 2023 Natalie Crowley

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…]

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