XIST’s X-istential Crisis: A New Role in Autosomal Gene RegulationJanuary 22, 2024The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) XIST functions as an epigenetic silencer tightly linked to the X chromosome to balance gene expression between the sexes; however, this lncRNA now has a cause for concern as an autosomal gene regulatory function just pushed XIST into a full-blown “X-istential” crisis! Reports have described a dispersed XIST configuration in […]
The Brain Cell Census: A Deeper Epigenomic Understanding of the Mammalian MainframeNovember 13, 2023If you have epigenetics on the brain like us, concentrate your mammalian mainframe on the recently published marvels on the brain’s epigenome from the NIH’s Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative – Cell Census Network (BICCN). Recent work brought together under the guise of the Brain Cell Census now reports on the examination […]
An Evolutionary and Epigenetic Tour-de-force Links DNA Methylation and Mammalian AgingSeptember 11, 2023Have you climbed Mount Everest? Recorded a critically acclaimed album?? Written the great American novel??? These life-affirming feats of body and mind pale into insignificance when compared to the evolutionary and epigenetic tour-de-force reported in two recent papers based on mammalian DNA methylation datasets of colossal size and importance. An expeditionary force led by Steve […]
Racing to Identify Novel Imprinted Genes in the RatApril 17, 2023While some research develops at “a snail’s pace,” other projects “canter” along briskly; however, a recent study moved faster than a rat up a drainpipe, with a cross-country team leaving their mark on the “rat race” by successfully identifying novel imprinted genes and highlighting the rapid evolution of imprinting in this vital model animal. A […]
H3K4 Methylation Loss Makes RNAPII Pause for ThoughtMarch 27, 2023With mice with two dads, crystal clear images of dying stars, and the rise of ChatGPT being daily news items, does anything make you “pause for thought” these days? A stunning study from reflective researchers just might! They provide insight into an epigenetic enigma surrounding the transcriptional role of a histone modification by reporting how […]
DNA Methylation Editing Provides Evidence for Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance in MammalsFebruary 26, 2023While we have become familiar with the link between DNA methylation and disease, an exciting epigenetic editing study now reports how DNA methylation contributes to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals and influences disease-associated traits across generations! In their previous study, a talented team led by Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte at the Salk Institute for Biological […]
Multiplexed Epigenome Editing Rouses a “Sleeping Dog” to Treat a Neurodevelopmental DisorderFebruary 20, 2023“Let sleeping dogs lie” is sound advice for those who want to stay out of trouble! However, an eye-opening epigenome editing study now suggests that rousing the “sleeping” methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene from the inactive X chromosome may represent a therapeutic opportunity for girls with Rett Syndrome – an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that […]
eBook: Epigenetics of AgingJanuary 16, 2023Aging and longevity research has moved to the forefront of epigenetics in recent years. From DNA Methylation, to the Exposome and “translational inheritance” we are all avidly interested in this topic. In this eBook we review recent and intriguing research into this topic. Table of Contents Novel Multiomic Epigenetic Clock May Decipher How Epigenetic Aging […]
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 […]
Multiomic Face-off Finds the Factors that Lead to Look-alikes!September 6, 2022Have you ever heard of someone bumping into their doppelgänger and wondered how the forces of biology conspired to make two unrelated people look alike? In a recent study, a few familiar faces took advantage of a photographer’s keen eye and a multiomic “face-off” to find those factors that lead two strangers to look alike! […]