G4-DNA: How an Unforgettable DNA Structure Regulates Gene Expression and MemoryMay 28, 2024The Eiffel Tower may live long in the memory, and La Sagrada Familia will be remembered for eons (when they finish it!), but can any structure truly rival DNA? Now, a new study describes how one of DNA’s many unforgettablestructural forms – G-quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) – helps to regulate the gene expression profiles controlling fear […]
eBook: DNA Methylation 2024May 15, 2024DNA methylation, whether in cells or in a cell-free environment, is one of the most powerful and most studied epigenetic regulators of gene expression and genomic organization. This is true for nearly all organisms, leading to the emergence of numerous methods for mapping 5-mC and 5-hmC and other modification states. There are many approaches for […]
Epigenetics Alone Can Drive Cancer—No Mutations NeededMay 13, 2024Epigenetics has moved into the driver’s seat. In a first-of-its-kind study, a talented team show that knocking down polycomb group proteins in Drosophila causes tumors to form, and bringing the proteins back doesn’t fix it. The finding demonstrates that transient epigenetic changes can irreversibly drive cancer—without genetic mutations. Although we’ve suspected that epigenetic mechanisms could take […]
Non-linear Alterations in DNA Methylation Provides Evidence of Aging in Stages!May 6, 2024Certain concepts – the speed of light, the electron’s charge, or the need to change cell media at the weekend – represent common constants in life. Many add the constant decay associated with the aging process to this list; however, analysis of DNA methylation in the mouse intestine now reveals that the aging process may […]
The Force is Strong with Histone H1.0: How Extracellular Stress Regulates Cell Mechanics through Chromatin StructureMay 6, 2024Scientists have longed to use “The Force” – provided by intracellular entities known as midichlorians – to help around the lab; now, an epigenetic alliance reports that an intracellular fibroblast component – Histone H1.0 – uses The Force and orchestrates cell mechanics when facing Sith-like evils such as physical/chemical stressors. The force is strong with […]
