Age-related Chromatin Remodeling: Loss of Epigenetic Info or the Hijacking of Maturation?July 22, 2024In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except Spain winning at football and age-related chromatin remodeling! While this remodeling was thought to drive aging via the loss of epigenetic information, new research provides evidence for the “hijacking” of developmental maturation via activator protein 1 (AP-1)-activity as a major player. Surefire researchers “captained” […]
Attacking Aging with TAC: A TERT Activator CompoundJuly 8, 2024Aching joints and wrinkled skin are an unwelcome part of aging, but in the future, you might be able to avoid arthritis medications and cosmetic procedures by getting a shot of TERT activator compound (TAC). A young-at-heart team identified this small molecule, which increases transcription of a telomerase subunit called TERT. The upshot is that […]
A CHARMing Epigenetic Editor Enchants Endogenous DNA Methylation Machinery to Pause Prion DiseaseJuly 8, 2024While George Clooney or Cate Blanchett exude a degree of charm, a captivating new epigenetic advance may outdo them both! A new study now describes a compact epigenetic editor known as “CHARM” that engages the cell’s own DNA methylation machinery to stop a fatal neurodegenerative disease in its tracks. A charismatic crew guided by Sonia […]
Epigenome Editing Modules Team Up to Cut Through Gene Regulatory ChaosJune 24, 2024Sometimes an indirect approach can give a direct answer. For example, two recent papers use dCas9 based epigenome editing to cut through gene regulatory mechanisms. No cutting required. These epigenomic editing toolkits use single-cell readouts to provide a clearer story of how our favorite chromatin modifications and enhancers do their jobs. Mixing and Matching Modifications […]
Mitochondrial tRNAs as Epigenetic Memories of Sperm’s Epididymal Road TripJune 24, 2024If Hollywood has taught us anything, it’s that a road trip during our younger years can leave enduring memories that influence our adult lives. Now, a “blockbuster” study reveals that environmental pressures during maturation in the epididymis endow spermatozoa with “epigenetic” memories that influence offspring health via the intergenerational epigenetic inheritance of tRNAs. Researchers “driven” […]
