Wrapping Your Mind Around Brain DNA MethylomesJune 28, 2012Not much is known about the normal DNA methylation differences between functionally different parts of the brain or how they relate to the patterns in peripheral tissues like blood. In a new study, scientists extensively mapped out the brain methylome to create a baseline resource for use in future research efforts. Researchers from King’s College […]
DNMTs Determine Radiation Sensitivity of Cancer Stem CellsJune 27, 2012Radiation therapy usually works well against cancer, but some cells that survive the blast can divide and become unstable (cancerous) much later on, causing a relapse. Researchers initially thought that DNA hypomethylation was to blame for “delayed radiation-induced genomic instability,” but a new study in Epigenetics, August 2012 shows that, at least for embryonic stem […]
NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program Data ResourceJune 18, 2012Last August, we shared with you some of the great new online resources being developed by the NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program. Now, the latest issue of Epigenomics, has published an update of all the latest editions, tweaks and refinements they’ve made over the last year. The NIH Roadmap Reference Epigenome Mapping Consortium has created a […]
Ontario Cancer Institute Epigenetic Research PositionsJune 17, 2012News reports tell us how tough the job market is lately, so we’re doing our part for the global economy by posting these two new epigenetic research positions that the Ontario Cancer Institute (OCI) is looking to fill. Who knows? Maybe one of them is perfect for you. Postdoctoral Research Fellow or Research Associates – […]
Abcam EpiSeeker Assays Lead the Search for DNMT KnowledgeJune 13, 2012DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) have been a trending topic in the epigenetics community for years because of their role in cytosine methylation. Studies that set out to pin down the precise function of DNMTs in various disease and developmental states often introduce more questions than answers. To get to the bottom of DNMT function, you need […]
DNA Methylation Addiction Keeps Cancer Cells AliveJune 13, 2012Addictions are so strong that some people think they can’t live without them. For cancer cells, that’s actually the case. Cancer cells’ DNA methylation addiction actually keeps them alive, according to a group of California researchers. Altered DNA methylation is just one of many changes that go down when a cell becomes cancerous. The researchers […]
Epigenetics Book Reviews and Chapter SummariesJune 6, 2012Over the last year EpiGenie has reviewed a couple of the latest epigenetics textbooks for the site. As good citizens of the earth, we of course looked for ways to recycle the books (and the knowledge inside of them) once our writers were done with them. So, we sent our copies out to readers and […]
Nature AND Nurture Both Contribute to DNA MethylationJune 1, 2012A recent pub led by a talented research team might call for a ceasefire in the old “nature vs. nurture” argument. Researchers in The Netherlands and the U.S. say their new study on people conceived or born during the Dutch Famine of 1944-1945 piles on even more evidence that the prenatal environment and your genes […]
Allele-Specific Histone Modifications Frequent Disease LociMay 24, 2012Just as “identical” twins can sometimes have a few noticeable differences (one has a mole on her cheek, the other doesn’t), alleles that are copies of the same gene also can be different. Allele-specific methylation (ASM) might get all the attention, but now researchers in the U.K. say that allele-specific histone modification (ASHM) might be […]
Try Zymo’s EZ DNA Methylation-Lightning™ Kit FreeMay 24, 2012Give the fastest bisulfite conversion kit on the market, the EZ DNA Methylation-Lightning Kit, a spin without spending a dime! Zymo Research is now offering free samples of the Lightning Kit through their website. Just look for the Sample Available icon in the right hand column, fill out the form and you’ll have a trial […]