eBook: Epigenetics & DNA MethylationNovember 21, 2022One of the longest-known and most studied epigenetic markers is DNA methylation, which can regulate gene expression and genomic organization in nearly all organisms. In eukaryotes, the primary modification of DNA is found in cytosines (C), where DNA Methyltransferases mediate the transfer of a methyl group to cytosines, converting them to 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), minor modifications […]
Keeping Aging in LINE by Stabilizing HeterochromatinSeptember 11, 2022Like many aspects of our lives, epigenetic processes can get out of control during aging. Now, exciting new findings have revealed that the secret to keeping our aging epigenomes “in line” is removing LINE-1 RNA from cells, which stabilizes heterochromatin and reverses signs of aging! Previous studies have shown how age-associated heterochromatin loss associates with […]
Novel Multiomic Epigenetic Clock May Decipher How Epigenetic Aging Impacts Cell FunctionAugust 23, 2022Timely advances have demonstrated that significant changes to DNA methylation levels accompany the creaking knees, failing eyes, and changing tastes in music (!) associated with the human aging process. A well-timed study now builds upon these past studies to describe a multiomic-based approach with the potential to forge links between epigenetic aging and the gene […]
APOE Tips Heterochromatin Balance Towards Stem Cell Senescence and AgingApril 11, 2022Like a healthy balance between work and play can enhance our day-to-day lives, a new study suggests that stem cells require a healthy epigenetic balance between silent and active chromatin domains to support their ongoing normal functions. More specifically, researchers headed by the well-balanced quartet of Moshi Song, Weiqi Zhang, Jing Qu, and Guang-Hui Liu […]
Has Cannabis Gone Up in Smoke? – Study Links Use to Accelerated Epigenetic AgingMarch 31, 2022Like there is no smoke without fire, another study has linked cannabis use to unwanted epigenetic alterations. We’ve seen that cannabis exposure alters DNA methylation in prenatal mouse brains (influencing subsequent behavior), the sperm of rats and humans (priming an autism spectrum disorder-like profile), and human adult brains (impacting brain function), and now epigenetic aging […]
“Is this the real-life? Is this just fantasy?” – CultureAGE Shows How In Vitro Studies Reflect In Vivo Epigenetic AgingFebruary 21, 2022Profiling epigenetic aging with in vitro cell models may allow for a deeper understanding of the difficult-to-decipher in vivo process, but only if one truly reflects the other; this leaves us wondering: “Is this the real-life? Is this just fantasy?” In their epigenetic rock opera, bohemians from the lab of Morgan Levine (Yale School of […]
Down the Wrong Path: Trisomy 21 Pushes Neural Progenitors Towards Senescence ProfileJanuary 31, 2022Although it sometimes feels like there is no right way to age, intriguing insight from Down Syndrome has given insight into how disrupted nuclear architecture can push us down the wrong path. Down syndrome results from the triplication of chromosome 21 and is a leading cause of intellectual disability. However, Down syndrome is also a […]
Architectural Woes Prompt Age-related Problems Thanks to Genes Lacking CpG IslandsJanuary 20, 2022As cracks to walls and beams can lead to an old house coming apart at the seams, the architectural alterations associated within an aging nucleus can prompt degenerative processes at the cell and tissue level. While any good architect can identify and help to sure up the problematic elements bringing down the house, the blueprints […]
scAge – A Single-cell DNA Methylation Clock Details Epigenetic Aging and RejuvenationJanuary 10, 2022With the new year comes a fresh start, but does the aging epigenome of each one of our cells share this sentiment? To help get your new year off to the right start, a new program known as “scAge” allows the determination of the age of single cells via DNA methylation and reveals insight into […]
How to Change Your (Mini) Mind: 5hmC’s Role in Neurodevelopment and Alzheimer’s DiseaseJune 13, 2021Although it may seem like neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration don’t have much in common, exciting new results on the dynamics of 5hmC in forebrain organoids may just change your mind. 5hmC is enriched in the brain, important in neurodevelopment, and suspected to be relevant to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) progression. However, due to a lack of human samples and appropriate disease models it has been difficult to study how 5hmC distribution changes during early brain development and AD. In […]
