RIP-Seq Shows miRNA Expression and Function Not Always a MatchJune 20, 2013There is a saying that, “each microRNA can have hundreds of target mRNAs, and each mRNA can be targeted by hundreds of miRNAs”. If that’s true, then how the heck are we supposed to know what’s going on in that crazy transcriptome? What does it mean when a miRNA and predicted target don’t explain the […]
Application Note: Automated Bisulfite ConversionJune 14, 2013Unlike more mainstream assays, bisulfite conversion approaches have been dependent on manual manipulation of spin plates and columns or have been of limited throughput. By adapting the clean-up of bisulfite converted DNA to a magnetic bead based procedure and coupling it to the Freedom EVO® platform, Zymo Research has opened the door to high-throughput bisulfite […]
Optical Detection Adds Color to 5hmC AnalysisJune 11, 2013A talented crew of researchers led by Dr. Yuval Ebenstein (Tel-Aviv University, Israel) recently pioneered a technique that gives anyone the ability to assay 5hmc “nanodrop” style. In their paper, they presented proof-of-principle experimentation. They labeled DNA and then sandwiched it between two glass slides to stretch it.. The DNA was then imaged on a […]
The Consequences of RNAs Alternative Polyadenylation LifestyleJune 7, 2013First it started enjoying the ‘occasional’ methylation. Then it crossed the LINE when it ‘borrowed’ its good buddy’s machinery. And now it seems like RNA just can’t stop. It turns out that just like all those hipsters, splicing isn’t the only one to enjoy an ‘alternative’ lifestyle. Researchers from UCLA have shown that polyadenylation wants […]
Epigenetics: Getting to Know the Readers and the Writers with Dr. Jerry WorkmanMay 31, 2013Dr. Jerry Workman shares some of his thoughts on the next steps in digging into biochemistry of epigenetic mechanisms to understand what’s reading and what’s writing. Epigenetics: Getting to Know the Readers and the Writers I think the most exciting aspect about epigenetics at this time is the potential it provides for some fantastic […]
RNA-Mediated Epigenetic Heredity Gets by with a Little Help from its FriendsMay 30, 2013Just like the Beatles, evolution appears to work best in harmony with all its members. RNA-mediated inheritance, a key component of the epigenetic mix, has quickly risen into the spotlight of mechanisms for non-Mendelian heredity. Dr. Minoo Rassoulzadegan’s group (University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, France) has previously shown that small non-coding RNAs can cause heritable […]
DNA Methylation in Twins Changes Early, Like Really EarlyMay 30, 2013Like anyone else, identical and fraternal twins change a lot as they get older. Just look at Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (fraternal twins, believe it or not). Perhaps not-so-surprisingly, researchers are reporting that DNA methylation patterns of identical and fraternal twins change a lot in their first 18 months. The kicker is that even though […]
PAR-CLIP Yields Insights into the Function of snoRNA ProgenyMay 30, 2013Although some reports have suggested that smaller RNAs derived from snoRNAs can have alternative, even miRNA-like functions, a Swiss research team now says that’s pretty darn rare. Did we mention the research team resides in the land of neutrality? So we naturally trust the data. Of course, snoRNAs (small nucleolar RNAs) guide modifications onto other […]
Non-Coding RNAs Step Out of LINE in CancerMay 29, 2013LINE-1 retrotransposons are a plentiful and cunning repetitive element of viral origin, which are typically kept silent via our hardworking epigenetic mechanism: DNA methylation. However, just like every good molecular pirate, cancer likes to use what it hijacks. Dr. Cristina Tufarelli’s group (University of Nottingham, UK) have previously shown that aberrant activation of LINE-1 promoters […]
Free Protocol Guides: RIP and iCLIPMay 23, 2013So you’ve been following RIP and CLIP over the last couple of years and you’ve seen what researchers can do with these methods. Now it’s time to roll up the sleeves and put the pipette in action. The kinds folks over at Abcam have some nice protocol guides to help you get fastracked to RIP […]