Can Disrupting Chromatin Interactions Stop SARS-CoV-2 in its Tracks?February 21, 2022Viral infections can appear like a runaway train, careering through the human body without a brake in sight; however, the meandering journey taken for the development of antivirals has now discovered a new way to stop runaway SARS-CoV-2 infections in their tracks thanks to CRISPR technology and a trip through the chromatin landscape of infected […]
Epigenetic “Baby-steps” Repress Germline Genome-defense During DevelopmentFebruary 4, 2022Much like a set of helping hands can guide, support, and protect a toddler taking their first steps, the guiding force of epigenetics during embryonic development ensures genome stability and supports healthy development by regulating the expression of key genes. Such genes include DNA methylation-sensitive “germline genome-defense” genes, which undergo DNA demethylation and become expressed […]
Want to Navigate the Epigenomics of Disease Across 3,604 Studies? There’s An App For ThatFebruary 1, 2022Traveling through large cities is complicated. Thankfully, our apps help us find a way through the maze and lead us to our destination. Now, a new method has come forward to do the same for the epigenomics of disease. A group led by Charles Breeze and Sonja Berndt (National Cancer Institute) have developed a program that guides […]
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 […]
Like a RedChIP to a Bull! – New Technique Explores RNA-Protein-DNA InteractionsJanuary 30, 2022The publication of a new technique is like waving a red rag to a bull for many in the epigenetics arena. Now, “RedChIP” has us stampeding in anticipation towards the exploration of the complex interactions taking place between RNA, DNA, and proteins in the nucleus. Olé! Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) interact with proteins and DNA to […]
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 […]
A Suite of New Tools to Solve Single-cell Epigenetic EnigmasDecember 23, 2021Welcome explorers of the epigenome! Are you looking for new tools to help answer the toughest of epigenetic enigmas? Then check out this suite of single-cell methods papers from technologically-talented teams led by Aviv Regev (Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard) and collaborators. inCITE into How Transcription Factors Shape In Vivo Gene Expression A collaboration […]
Automated Chromatin Profiling Platforms Autopilot Patients to the ClinicNovember 22, 2021From human-free supermarket check-outs to autopiloted cars, the modern world is rapidly moving towards automation. In the most recent advance, a rabble of robotic researchers has applied related technological tricks to epigenetic assays to “autopilot” high-throughput chromatin profiling and provide a clinical tool that may support optimized treatment choices in leukemia patients. Specifically, a technology-driven […]
KLF4 Condensation Gets Your Epigenome in Shape with the Help of DNA MethylationOctober 18, 2021While juices and shakes may be nothing but a fitness fad for those looking to get into serious shape, liquid-liquid biomolecular condensation has washed away previous paradigms by highlighting its vital role in gene regulation and chromatin organization. Now, a rather fit new study has described how biomolecular drop-like condensates of the reprogramming factor KLF4 […]
