3D Chromatin Structure’s Special Effects on TranscriptionJanuary 25, 2012Judging from showbiz ad campaigns, their latest motto seems to be “Everything is better in 3D!” Maybe that thought inspired this new study that uncovered how the 3-dimensional structure of chromatin has some very special effects on the regulation of gene transcription. Researchers from the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) decided to take a look […]
Microparticles Let miRNAs Cruise the Circulatory Super-HighwayJanuary 23, 2012MicroRNAs have attracted interest as potential blood biomarkers for various cardiovascular diseases, but researchers haven’t quite figured out how they avoid destruction while in the bloodstream. Sort of like tiny outlaws on the run, while traveling the circulatory super-highway miRNAs must nimbly evade the RNAases that might catch them in order to reach their destination […]
DNA Methylation: 2011 Editor’s FavoritesJanuary 11, 2012DNA methylation research had a little something for everyone in 2011. Not only was it linked to cancer, diet, post-traumatic stress, socio-economic status and heritability; but more was learned about 5-hydroxymethylcytosine as well. As if that wasn’t enough, two new cytosine variants, 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytsosine, joined the party this year too. We can’t wait to […]
Technology & Methods: 2011 Editor’s FavoritesJanuary 11, 2012Without advanced technology, epigenetic research would flounder. (You’d also probably be reading this on a stone tablet, which are really tricky to post on the web.) Check out our favorite improvements in technologies and methods from 2011 that are making sure epigenetic research is staying on the cutting edge. Single Cell Methylation Profiling The Restriction […]
Non-Coding RNA: 2011 Editor’s FavoritesJanuary 11, 2012Understanding of non-coding RNAs grew by leaps and bounds in 2011, but the more that we learn; the more we get the feeling that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Take a look at some of our favorite articles from the last year that highlights the variety of roles that non-coding RNA play. […]
