“Epi-bit” Encoded Images of Tigers and Pandas Reveal the Epigenetic Future of DNA-based Memory StorageNovember 10, 2024A memorable musical number from Cats muses on the loss of “Memory;” however, an unforgettable new feline-related study now describes the encoding of images of tigers (and pandas!) using printed epigenetic bits (“epi-bits”) on DNA as a novel storage approach for our data and dearest recollections. Can epi-bits make any memory loss a thing of […]
eBook: CRISPR & Gene Editing 2024October 17, 2024CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene editing represents a straightforward and accurate process; however, the widespread therapeutic application of this technology still requires the precise characterization of both on- and off-target activity. In this eBook, we highlight a recent group of publications and methods using this powerful technique! Contents: Epigenetic Machinery Fights Back! SARS-CoV-2 RNA Modifications Inhibit Replication and […]
Epigenetics Alone Can Drive Cancer—No Mutations NeededMay 13, 2024Epigenetics has moved into the driver’s seat. In a first-of-its-kind study, a talented team show that knocking down polycomb group proteins in Drosophila causes tumors to form, and bringing the proteins back doesn’t fix it. The finding demonstrates that transient epigenetic changes can irreversibly drive cancer—without genetic mutations. Although we’ve suspected that epigenetic mechanisms could take […]
EvoETR Epigenome Editor Helps Maintain Cholesterol Levels by Silencing Pcsk9March 25, 2024Ever wanted to cut a bad thing out of your life? Well, perhaps the secret to success doesn’t involve any cutting (of your DNA). In some people, a mutant PCSK9 gene interferes with the liver’s job to get rid of LDL, aka “bad” cholesterol. Now, researchers have developed an all-in-one “evolved engineered transcriptional repressor” (EvoETR) […]
Bilingual Proteins Establish and Maintain Heritable Silent Chromatin DomainsFebruary 5, 2024Whether you learn through hitting the books or traveling the globe – speaking two languages has many advantages. Now, a study into the basis of gene expression regulation reports how bilingual “read-write” proteins that “speak” two epigenetic languages can help us to learn about the complex mechanisms controlling sequence-independent heritable gene silencing. The dynamic duo […]
SSSavi: Savvy Epigenome Editing with Diverse, Orderly TeamsDecember 12, 2023Bringing in the right combination of people with different perspectives and abilities can take a team to new heights. And just like that savvy diverse team, a new epigenome editing tool called the Spy-Snoop-Sun-Avi (SSSavi) system recruits diverse effector molecules in an interchangeable and orderly way to understand how combinations of DNA and histone modifications […]
New Single-cell CRISPR Screens “ATAC” Chromatin AccessibilityJune 6, 2021Have you been struggling to agree on a plan of action for your recent epigenetic experiments? Have you been fighting over just what strategy to use to decipher how genetic alterations affect the epigenetic landscape? While we should all follow John and Yoko’s example and try to give peace a chance, you sometimes need to […]
dCas9-dMSK1 Provides the Potent Power of Programmable Histone PhosphorylationFebruary 20, 2021Time to move over histone methylation, the potent activating power of programmable histone phosphorylation joins the dCas9 epigenome editing toolbox and shows how it takes histone acetylation along for the ride. A rather active team of researchers led by Isaac B. Hilton (Rice University, Houston, TX, USA) knew that phosphorylation represents one of the most […]
Big Things Come in Small Packages: Nanobodies Enter the Epigenetic Editing RingFebruary 4, 2021While we have seen many contenders for the title of heavyweight champion in the epigenetic editing ring, the adage “big things come in small packages” has taken on a new meaning. Nanobodies, or single-domain antibodies, demonstrate that featherweights can pack an explosive epigenetic editing punch by using their opponents’ momentum against them. Researchers led by […]
A Dynamic Epigenetic Editing Duo: Mutant DNMT3A and SunTag Team Up to Reduce Off-Target MethylationFebruary 4, 2020Some of the best superheroes are born out of a mutational event. It’s how Peter Parker became Spiderman, how Bruce Banner turned into the Incredible Hulk, and where the X-Men derive their powers. It just goes to show that mutations aren’t always a bad thing — a point exemplified by the new superhero team in […]
