Choosing Sides: Tsix RNA Decapping Initiates the X Chromosome Inactivation CascadeSeptember 9, 2020When it comes to X inactivation there are a huge number of studies that eXist. Despite being one of the best-studied epigenetic phenomena, the molecular decision making process behind the initiation of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) had remained far from fully understood. The regulation of the long non-coding RNA Xist initiates XCI. Xist’s antisense partner […]
A TET1 Thermostat Cranks up the Heat in Beige AdipocytesSeptember 9, 2020Many of us eagerly reach for the thermostat to crank up the heat a little as summer turns to fall, and now, a team of red-hot researchers studying heat generation in adipose tissue have discovered that the ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) DNA demethylase forms part of an epigenetic thermostat that could provide a means to […]
TET2 Overtrims the Methylation Hedges at Enhancers in Parkinson’s Disease NeuronsAugust 25, 2020It takes real restraint to prevent a routine hedge trim from turning into a horticultural horror show; and like an overzealous landscaper, new research shows that TET2 may be mowing down the methylome in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) neurons. The cognitive and motor symptoms of PD are caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the […]
Epitranscriptomic tRNA Study Finally Reveals the “Y” of Aggressive Colon TumorsAugust 25, 2020Away with you Holmes, begone Poirot, and bye-bye Nancy Drew, because a terrific team of epigenetic detectives has solved an epitranscriptomic cold case to reveal the “Y” of aggressive colon tumors by linking CpG island promoter DNA hypermethylation of a key epitranscriptomic modifier and a transfer RNA (tRNA) modification to tumorigenesis. Epitranscriptomics includes the modification […]
Exosomal microRNA Roots for Regrowth by Raising Hairs in Retired FolliclesAugust 15, 2020Move over, Rogaine; the pharmacies of the future will carry hair regrowth treatments that contain microRNAs from hair follicle exosomes! There are creams, supplements, lasers and even surgery, but people struggling with hair loss still don’t have a convenient and effective treatment to help them restore their luscious locks. New treatments could involve injecting dermal […]
Cell free DNA MeDIP-seq is a Molecular Methylation Magnet for Machine Learning Cancer DetectionAugust 7, 2020Finding the cell free DNA (cfDNA) that most cell-types release into blood plasma is always a challenging task, but certain cancers release so little that it takes looking for a needle in a haystack to the next level. Methods for sorting the “hay” have often come up short, but two new studies successfully developed a […]
Cutting Through the Smog of Mitochondrial DNA Methylation after Prenatal Pollution ExposureAugust 7, 2020While everyone loves hearing about a scientific controversy, clearing the air can also provide a sense of satisfaction. So, sit back and take a breath of the fresh air that an environmentally conscious team brings to the controversy surrounding mitochondrial (mt)DNA methylation through their examination of prenatal exposure to environmental stressors such as air pollution […]
Expand Your Epigenetic Editing Portfolio With Targeted RNA m6A Methyltransferases!August 4, 2020For the last few years, DNA has cornered the methylation market as the Apple of epigenome editing tools, but a newly developed CRISPR-Cas13 system has epigenetic investors buying stock in RNA editing! 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant RNA modification, and even though we know it’s involved in chromatin accessibility, RNA splicing and repairing damaged […]
Exon Skipping via Intergenerational Epigenetic Silencing Rescues Duchenne Muscular DystrophyJuly 29, 2020While missing a gym class can happen from time to time without leaving you feeling too guilty (!), you really shouldn’t “skip” a fascinating new study that now describes how a maternally-transmitted epigenetic “exon skipping” effect may act as the foundation for new therapeutic approaches for a devastating genetic muscle-weakening disease. A majority of Duchenne […]
rChIP-Seq Ratifies RNA as a Requirement for PRC2 to Rock and RollJuly 20, 2020Once in a while, an epigenetic technique comes along to rock your world more than your favorite Led Zeppelin or Foo Fighters album! Now, a band of researchers fronted by the dynamic duo of John L. Rinn and Thomas R. Cech (University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA) has just released a chart-topping masterpiece with their […]