Stat3 is a Mitochondrial Mastermind Behind Metabolic Control of DNA Methylation in Naïve Stem CellsFebruary 15, 2021We’ve seen that mitochondria can modify nuclear DNA methylation, but until recently, the identities of the masterminds behind how the powerhouse of the cell can affect epigenetic change in the nucleus have remained classified. Although Stat3 is most notably recruited by LIF to activate the pluripotency gene network in the nucleus, we also know that LIF […]
It Takes Two to Tango: Histone Serotonylation Partners with H3K4me3 to Regulate Gene ExpressionFebruary 15, 2021While epigenetic research has often linked single histone modifications to transcriptional outputs, new research in neurons now shows that “it takes two to tango” and a little serotonin, classically known as a neurotransmitter, keeps the transcriptional tango going strong. Specifically, a free-stepping study that discovered histone serotonylation previously associated an adjacent enrichment of the lysine […]
Not Your Mother’s Mary-Jane: CBD Messes with the Prenatal Mouse Brain DNA MethylomeFebruary 8, 2021The times sure have changed since Woodstock ’69. Instead of having to hide their stash from the nearest authority figures, cannabis enthusiasts have been given the greenlight by the recent legalization of cannabis products across the globe. In fact, studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, can be helpful in treating anything […]
Big Things Come in Small Packages: Nanobodies Enter the Epigenetic Editing RingFebruary 4, 2021While we have seen many contenders for the title of heavyweight champion in the epigenetic editing ring, the adage “big things come in small packages” has taken on a new meaning. Nanobodies, or single-domain antibodies, demonstrate that featherweights can pack an explosive epigenetic editing punch by using their opponents’ momentum against them. Researchers led by […]
EpiGo-KRAB: A New, Live-action Tool to Edit and Visualize Heterochromatin Formation in Living ColorJanuary 26, 2021Like any live-action remake, vibrant colors are essential for a new epigenetic editing tool that simultaneously introduces H3K9me3 at hundreds of targeted loci while also allowing for HD visualization of the heterochromatic results. Now, let’s meet the stars of this show that were cast by a team led by Hanhui Ma from ShanghaiTech University. H3K9me3 […]