Decoding the Epigenetic Role of Non-coding RNAsMay 18, 2011About 90% of our genome is transcribed, but only 1-2% of the transcripts encode proteins. So what are all of those non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) doing? A better question might be: what aren’t they doing? In addition to regulating gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, ncRNAs play a big part in the control of […]
5hmC Analysis TwoferMay 13, 2011Everybody loves a twofer, and now for the amount of time spent reading a single Nature paper ( or at least this EpiGenie summary), you can learn about two new methods for 5hmC analysis. A clever team of researchers has developed two independent approaches for the genome-wide mapping of 5hmC, neither of which relies on […]
Race and Sex Major Players in Global DNA MethylationMay 3, 2011Lower global DNA methylation levels have been associated with genomic instability and cancer in humans, making it a great potential biomarker in peripheral blood. So scientists took a close look at the factors around global methylation levels and found that race and gender play a huge role. Researchers from Texas and New York measured the […]
Probing Placental EpigeneticsMay 3, 2011Ever since Tom Cruise publicly vowed to eat his newborn’s placenta a few years back, the “afterbirth” organ has gotten a bum rap. But recent evidence suggests that in addition to its long-recognized role in supplying oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus, the placenta also influences fetal development through epigenetic mechanisms. Now a trio […]
Epigenetic SNPs Behind Not So Positive Feedback Loop in AlcoholismMay 2, 2011We all like to celebrate here and there. Shoot…EpiGenie’s still recovering from its royal wedding breakfast bash. But most experts will tell you that moderation is key. Now, researchers in Sweden and Australia give us even more reason to heed that advice and avoid going on that next weekend bender—they found that heavy drinking can […]