HiRES Lets You See Chromatin Structure and Transcription Clearly—At the Same TimeJuly 10, 2023To see clearly, sometimes you just need a good pair of glasses or contacts. Now, Dong Xing’s lab (Peking University) has combined single cell Hi-C and RNA-seq to get a “Hi-RES” picture of chromatin and gene expression from the same cells simultaneously. Sure, separate Hi-C and RNA-seq data from different cells have been combined before, but […]
Dnmt3bas Is Inactive Dnmt3b’s Nemesis, Keeping Its Levels Low via Transcription and SplicingJuly 10, 2023The main character of many movies has a memorable nemesis who can’t help but try to bring them down and get in their way. Now, it turns out that the nemesis of the inactive Dntm3b isoform may just be development’s best friend. Before differentiation, Dnmt3b transcript levels are kept low, but get a boost at differentiation. […]
DNA Methylation Alterations Highlight Drivers of Aggressive Metastatic TumorsJuly 3, 2023The identification and early detection of events driving the metastasis of primary tumors may help identify therapeutic targets and patients that respond to specific therapeutics. Now, an epigenetic study focused on the spread of colorectal cancer to the liver reports DNA methylation as the spark driving metastatic events. Roadworthy researchers led by Euan J. Rodger, […]
Single-cell Epitranscriptomic Mapping of m6A from Small Samples with picoMeRIP-seqJuly 2, 2023Most successful epitranscriptomics studies rely on large amounts of input sample; however, huge findings may also reside in the smallest of specimens, such as zygotes or embryos. Now, a study provides exciting in vivo insight into these microcosms by describing the development of an epitranscriptomic mapping technique for single-cells and rare cell types. While traditional […]
X Chromosome vs. Autosome – m6A Helps to Level the RNA Stability Playing FieldJune 26, 2023While the single transcripts from the X chromosome may have a tough time competing with the one-two combination from their autosomal counterparts, heavy-hitting new findings now demonstrate that the m6A RNA modification lends a hand and levels the RNA stability playing field. The N6-methyladenosine RNA modification (m6A) recruits YTHDF proteins to reduce modified RNA stability […]