More than Methyltransferases: DNMTs Run a Reverse on 5hmCAugust 20, 2012New research out of Taiwan has found some familiar enzymatic faces are involved in the pathway from 5hmC to cytosine. A talented team of scientists recently showed that two members of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) family, DNMT3a and DNMT3b are more than just methyltransferases; they fill a role as dehydroxymethylases as well. It has already […]
Redefining DNA Methylation in Cancer with Dr. Andrew FeinbergAugust 1, 2012Dr. Andrew Feinberg discusses how recent events are reshaping the way his team thinks about DNA methylation in cancer. This interview was shot on campus at Johns Hopkins University. This video was brought to you by epigenetics supporters at EMD Millipore. Redefining DNA Methylation in Cancer Well, there are a number of things I’m […]
Non-Coding RNAs and Drug AddictionJuly 31, 2012Although a lot of behavioral studies are out there on drug addiction, no one really knows how addiction develops at the molecular level. A new review by researchers in Miami describes lots of evidence from more than 80 studies suggesting that non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), might have a […]
RTL-P: Pinpoint 2’-O-methylation in RNAsJuly 31, 2012Yeah, it would be crazy to play hide-and-go-seek with a GPS, night-vision goggles, and a heat-sensing camera. But that’s kind of similar to the pricey, sophisticated laboratory gadgets that researchers currently have to use to spot 2’-O-methylation hiding on RNAs. Now, scientists in China have come up with a much simpler, less expensive way (called […]
Pol II Transcription Slows at 5-Formylcytosines (5caC) and 5-Carboxylcytosines (5fC)July 31, 2012It’s summertime—a time when you just want to take things slow. Researchers now report that 5-formylcytosines (5fCs) and 5-carboxylcytosines (5caCs) like to slow things down, no matter what the season. They say that these mods put the brakes on RNA Pol II transcription and make it less specific. Sure, researchers have known about 5fC and […]
