Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Changes from Vaping and Smoking Have Striking SimilaritiesSeptember 3, 2024Vaping has been touted as a safer alternative to smoking, but some recent studies are showing that the biological effects have similarities. Now, a team clears the air and reports that DNA methylation changes in vapers’ oral cells resemble those found in smokers, which suggests that vaping could have comparable long-term health effects. Smoke gets in […]
Epigenetic Machinery Fights Back! SARS-CoV-2 RNA Modifications Inhibit Replication and PathogenesisSeptember 3, 2024Recent reports have highlighted how SARS-CoV-2 infection and the resulting COVID-19 can turn epigenetics against us; however, new research now reveals that the epigenetic machinery can also help us fight back against viral attacks – in the guise of specific RNA modifications. A team of epigenetic tusslers guided by Yu Chen (Wuhan University) knew of […]
Chrom-seq Uses ‘Readers’ to See Which RNAs Put Epigenetic Marks on ChromatinAugust 20, 2024Reading glasses, or “readers,” help you see text and other fine details up close. Inspired by our desire for increased resolution, a talented team is using histone readers to more clearly see which long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) interact with particular histone modifications. Their method, called Chrom-seq, doesn’t require highly pure antibodies or crosslinking, making it […]
Histone Serotonylation: From Boosting Moods to Regulating Brain Tumor ProgressionAugust 19, 2024While many know that serotonin impacts mood and emotions, a smattering of studies have found that this neurotransmitter can modify histones and regulate gene expression. Now, fascinating new research reveals that histone serotonylation contributes to the regulation of aggressive brain tumors, playing a role in the complex interactions taking place between neuron–tumor signaling, epigenetics, and […]
Keeping up With Epigenetic Clocks: PRC2-AgeIndex Measures Gains of DNA Methylation Across the GenomeAugust 6, 2024While it may seem like it’s harder to keep up with epigenetic clocks than with the Kardashians, this is one you’re not going to want to miss. Many epigenetic clocks people use to assess aging are built on the DNA methylation status of a few CpGs, and it’s unclear how these sites are related to […]
