5hmC Stands Apart from 5mC Through Single-Cell Multi-omic MethodsOctober 23, 2023Sometimes, you really want to stand out from the crowd. For years, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) has lurked in the shadows, often lumped together with 5-methylcytosine (5mC). However, these modifications have different effects—5mC generally turns down expression and 5hmC ramps it up. Sure, several methods can tease apart 5mC and 5hmC, but they require a lot of sample […]
Epigenetic Inheritance During DNA Replication: A State Lying Somewhere Between Symmetry and InstabilityOctober 2, 2023Emerging research has provided evidence for the critical importance of the inheritance of epigenetic states, whether that be DNA methylation, histone modifications, or even non-coding RNAs. Now, three recent studies focusing on the mechanism involved in passing down this information from parental to daughter cells while they replicate their DNA and divide in vitro provide […]
An Evolutionary and Epigenetic Tour-de-force Links DNA Methylation and Mammalian AgingSeptember 11, 2023Have you climbed Mount Everest? Recorded a critically acclaimed album?? Written the great American novel??? These life-affirming feats of body and mind pale into insignificance when compared to the evolutionary and epigenetic tour-de-force reported in two recent papers based on mammalian DNA methylation datasets of colossal size and importance. An expeditionary force led by Steve […]
“Dynamite” Study Uses TNT To Destroy Epigenetic Memories in Human iPSCsSeptember 11, 2023While lingering memories can represent unwelcome guests, destroying them with the power of dynamite may seem like overkill! However, a volatile new study now describes TNT or transient-naïve-treatment as a simple means of ridding human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) of their epigenetic memories and improving their therapeutic potential. An explosive epigenetic team headed by […]
Detecting Global Levels of 5mC and 5hmC at the Same Time—With ColorAugust 23, 2023Color is exciting and fun—just look at Andy Warhol’s striking silkscreen paintings of Marilyn Monroe. Now, a new method uses bright red and green fluorescence to detect global levels of both methylated and hydroxymethylated cytosine (5mCs and 5hmCs) modifications of genomic DNA in the same straightforward assay, which could lead to easy and inexpensive clinical […]