DNA Methylation Differences in Imprinting Control Regions Contribute to Ethnic Disparities in Alzheimer’s Disease RiskMay 28, 2024Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients have a two-fold higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients for unknown reasons; now, a fascinating epigenetics study reveals the involvement of DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs). Researchers headed by Randy L. Jirtle and Cathrine Hoyo (North Carolina State University) explored ethnic variation in disease […]
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 […]
