eBook: Epigenomics of SpermJune 9, 2022Some of the most interesting and important epigenetic phenomena occur in sperm. In addition to passing genetic paternal information, experiences and exposures can be encoded in the epigenome and inherited as well. In this EpiGenie ebook, we present summaries of several studies on exploring the role of epigenetic processes in sperm biology. They are divided […]
The Long and the Short of It – Long DNMT3A1 Isoform Binds Bivalent Neurodevelopmental ChromatinMay 23, 2022Sometimes it’s best to get straight to the point, so let’s dive into this study of DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3A) isoforms with variable lengths, which reveals a chromatin interaction domain that regulates bivalent gene expression and supports early postnatal survival in mice! Previous studies that didn’t beat around the bush described how postnatal development requires […]
Battling Against the Clock: Epigenetic Age Acceleration Impacts COVID-19 SeverityMay 2, 2022Timing is crucial for many aspects of life, and now, a rather timely study demonstrates that the acceleration of our epigenetic clocks after SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly impacts our risk of suffering severe COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome (“long COVID”). Previous research has described how older patients suffer from a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 (independent […]
Single-cell Based DNA Methylation Deconvolution Method Scores Another Goal for EpigeneticsApril 25, 2022You might think you know the leading players in the field of computational epigenetics; however, each new season brings forward a squad of exciting new players eager to prove their worth. Recently, one of these players EpiSCORE-d the goal of extending in silico cell-type deconvolution of human epigenomic data to many tissues. While reference-based cell-type […]
Has Cannabis Gone Up in Smoke? – Study Links Use to Accelerated Epigenetic AgingMarch 31, 2022Like there is no smoke without fire, another study has linked cannabis use to unwanted epigenetic alterations. We’ve seen that cannabis exposure alters DNA methylation in prenatal mouse brains (influencing subsequent behavior), the sperm of rats and humans (priming an autism spectrum disorder-like profile), and human adult brains (impacting brain function), and now epigenetic aging […]
