DNA Methylation Alterations Highlight Drivers of Aggressive Metastatic TumorsJuly 3, 2023The identification and early detection of events driving the metastasis of primary tumors may help identify therapeutic targets and patients that respond to specific therapeutics. Now, an epigenetic study focused on the spread of colorectal cancer to the liver reports DNA methylation as the spark driving metastatic events. Roadworthy researchers led by Euan J. Rodger, […]
Single-cell Epitranscriptomic Mapping of m6A from Small Samples with picoMeRIP-seqJuly 2, 2023Most successful epitranscriptomics studies rely on large amounts of input sample; however, huge findings may also reside in the smallest of specimens, such as zygotes or embryos. Now, a study provides exciting in vivo insight into these microcosms by describing the development of an epitranscriptomic mapping technique for single-cells and rare cell types. While traditional […]
X Chromosome vs. Autosome – m6A Helps to Level the RNA Stability Playing FieldJune 26, 2023While the single transcripts from the X chromosome may have a tough time competing with the one-two combination from their autosomal counterparts, heavy-hitting new findings now demonstrate that the m6A RNA modification lends a hand and levels the RNA stability playing field. The N6-methyladenosine RNA modification (m6A) recruits YTHDF proteins to reduce modified RNA stability […]
Single-Molecule Methylation Profiles of Cell-Free Cancer DNA—Without Playing GamesJune 14, 2023Sometimes, you have to jump through a lot of hoops to get what you want. Hanlee Ji’s lab (Stanford) must be tired of playing those games because they’ve developed a direct single-molecule methylation nanopore sequencing approach for cell-free DNA  (cfDNA) that doesn’t involve bisulfite conversion or even PCR. And yet it works on nanogram or […]
Copper Controls the Epigenetic Regulation of Inflammation? Element-ary, my Dear Watson!June 13, 2023While some problems simply need a Deerstalker and a helpful sidekick to solve, discovering the cellular processes controlling inflammation has been less of an “element-ary” task! Now, an epigenetic study (in Scarlet?) links inflammation to a mechanism involving a membrane protein, the uptake of copper, and histone modifications in macrophages! A team of epigenetic investigators […]
