EZH2 Gets a TAD Involved in CancerFebruary 26, 2019In the Venn diagram of epigenetics and cancer biology, EZH2 sits perfectly in the overlap. This methyltransferase is responsible for tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) but is also an oncogene, mutated in a variety ofhumancancers. H3K27me3 is a marker of inactive chromatin domains, specifically topologically associating domains (TADs), and has been linked to […]
When Two Is Not Better Than One: Duplicitous Dipeptides Disrupt Heterochromatin to Promote NeurodegenerationFebruary 25, 2019While some protein aficionados may believe that the only thing better than one peptide is a dipeptide, a study from the lab of Leonard Petrucelli (Mayo Clinic, USA) recently established that the expansion of double-dealing dipeptide repeats promotes the development of neurodegenerative disease via the disruption of heterochromatin structure and function. The diseases in question, […]
Histone Methyltransferase Loss Disconnects the Autistic BrainFebruary 12, 2019Connection and communication represent two crucial concepts in the massive and complex network that is the mammalian brain; therefore, the disruption of neural connections during early development may promote the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders. Previous studies have linked the histone methyltransferase SETD5 with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which inspired researchers from the lab of Alysson […]
ChIP-seq SNFs Out the Epigenomic Impact of SWI/SNF Loss in Paediatric Brain TumorsFebruary 8, 2019Cancer researchers have been SNFing around the role of the SWI/SNF complex for a long time. By SWItching to a ChIP-seq approach, novel details about how biallelic loss of a key gene promotes a cancerous epigenome have been uncovered. SWI/SNF (or BAF) is a chromatin remodeling complex and a key regulator of early development that […]
Epigenetic Editing Wipes Fear Memory in a Sex-Specific MannerFebruary 4, 2019Whether it’s the sure thing you bet on for the Super Bowl or the grant that keeps escaping your grasp, some memories are best forgotten. However, memories are complicated to say the least, and with most of us left wanting to retain a few of the more enjoyable examples, a targeted editing approach would certainly help. Thankfully, new […]
Too Much Tau Over Relaxes Chromatin in Neurons in Aging and Alzheimer’s BrainsFebruary 3, 2019Taking a break can be a great thing for our aging brains, it gives us a chance to unwind and open ourselves up to new ideas. However, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing, where overly relaxed chromatin can wreak havoc on an aging neuron and drive pathological changes! One of the […]
Perturb-ATAC: Single-Cell Multiplex CRISPR Screening of Chromatin Regulatory NetworksJanuary 30, 2019Feeling perturbed by the limitations of current chromatin assays? Looking for something high throughput that combines multiplexed genome editing with single cell resolution of open chromatin? Well look no further than Perturb-ATAC. The lab of Paul Khavari (Stanford, California) sought to address the above challenges with simultaneous measurements of perturbations and chromatin state in single […]
Monkey Memes: Social Status Epigenetically Primes a Stress-Responsive Chromatin ProfileJanuary 15, 2019Are you constantly checking your Twitter/Instagram/Reddit feeds for the newest memes and best cat videos to share for the most likes? Well, don’t spend too much time stressing over your social media status; especially if you are a rhesus macaque, because new research suggests your immune cells might take a major epigenetic hit if you’re […]
New “Recipe” Combines Histone Acetylation, Telomeres, and Mitochondria in a Delicious Scientific Dish!November 26, 2018Assembling tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil into the formidable Insalata Caprese is a straightforward affair and a quick shake, and pour can make tequila, triple sec, and lime juice combine into the sublime margarita cocktail. However, no one has yet managed to fit mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere attrition, and histone acetylation into a dish of data worthy […]
How a Histone Deacetylase-Regulated “Kiss” Controls the Timing of Sexual DevelopmentNovember 19, 2018“It started out with a kiss. How did it end up like this? It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss” – The Killers clearly didn’t foresee the consequences of a meeting of lips; however, a new study into the links between nutrition and mammalian sexual development now suggests that a histone deacetylase-regulated […]
