Mood Killer: DNA Methylation Linked to Depressive DisorderApril 10, 2014There aren’t a lot of laughs to be had when discussing the very real and increasing problem of depression, but some new research supported by the brain initiative on sets of twins may help to lighten the mood a bit. Studies have begun popping up showing that epigenetic marks can be used to show if someone has […]
Zymo Research Converts Sequencers into Epigenetic AnalyzersApril 7, 2014Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized scientific research, but when it comes to epigenetic exploration, scientists have had to make do with sequencing library prep methods from other non-epigenetic applications. The crew at Zymo Research has found a way to adapt sequencers for epigenetic research, without having to completely retrofit the instrument. With the introduction of […]
Take the BS Out of Bisulfite Data Analysis with the DMAP Analysis SuiteApril 2, 2014Tools and databases always make mapping our world a little easier, whether its used to train as Google’s next pokemaster or figuring out what to do with your heaps of fancy new reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS) or whole genome bisulphite sequencing (WGBS) data. A talented team of epigenome hackers from the University of Otago (New Zealand) have just put […]
DNA Methylation Sorts Out Cell Type HeterogeneityMarch 31, 2014While all of our cells share an almost indistinguishable genome, the variation created by the epigenome makes sorting and tackling the heterogeneity of cell types in your favorite homogenate a bigger task than finding a Yeti in a snow storm. Now a search and rescue team from Brown University has utilized DNA methylation profiles to breathe […]
Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance TimelineMarch 17, 2014Molecular inheritance is what genetics is all about, so here we highlight some examples where the epigenome plays a key role in inheritance.
Bees Join the Genomic Imprinting HiveMarch 17, 2014The buzz had always been that DNA methylation mechanisms appear absent in most insects, but are known to occur in social insects, like bees. And while genomic imprinting has long been known to favor chromosomes in plants and loci in mammals, bumble-bee research from the University of Leicester came across another honeypot of epigenetic theories. Other […]
EpiGenie Book Reviews: Epigenetics by L. ArmstrongMarch 14, 2014After working on some of the UK’s first embryonic stem cells and developing the world’s first cloned human embryos, Lyle Armstrong turned his attention to the creation of a useful text that would benefit the epigenetic novice as well as the seasoned investigator. With a number of groovy figures and illustrations, they key concepts of […]
CpG Canyons Join the DNA Methylation LandscapeMarch 14, 2014While CpG Islands and CpG Shores have always been hot destinations on the CpG landmark tour, a new feature has emerged that may just give them a run for their money. Using genome-wide mapping of 5mC and 5hmC in mouse stem cells to explore the luxurious shores and islands of the CpGenome, an adventurous team from the Baylor College of […]
Webinar: Whole-genome Insights into Cancer as a Dysregulated Epigenome Allowing Cellular Growth Advantage at the Expense of the HostMarch 10, 2014Dr. Andrew Feinberg discusses recent work that has shed new light on the epigenome and it’s role in cancer. Abstract: We and our collaborators have been developing efforts toward whole genome approaches to epigenetic analysis of human disease, including array-based analysis and whole genome bisulfite sequencing. Surprising results have been the discovery of CpG island shores and large hypomethylated […]
Webinar: Genetic Analysis of the Physiological Roles for lncRNAs in DevelopmentMarch 8, 2014Loyal A. Goff, Ph.D presents his research on: Genetic Analysis of the Physiological Roles for lncRNAs in Development Abstract: Many studies are uncovering functional roles for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), yet few have been tested for in vivo relevance through genetic ablation in animal models. To investigate the functional relevance of lncRNAs in various physiological […]
