The Missing LncRNA: How the Gut Microbiome Communicates with their Host to Regulate MetabolismOctober 23, 2023Bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the mammalian gut microbiome vastly outnumber the cells in the human body; however, the detailed mechanisms these gut-dwelling commensal partners use to communicate with their generous hosts and induce responses represent somewhat of a “missing link” in this research. Now, a new epigenetics-based study shows that we should have been […]
eBook: RNA & TranscriptomicsOctober 13, 2023Analysis of the working of our RNA, from transcription and splicing to translation, began in a simpler time – when we talked about “RNA” and hadn’t yet recognized the whole range of RNA species, including miRNAs, ncRNAs, and more. These days, we are learning as much about the epigenetic modification of RNA and the role […]
Let It Rain: Droplets Generate Single-Nuclei Multiomes of Either Histone or RNA ModificationsSeptember 25, 2023A downpour of single-cell and single-molecule multiomics methods are prompting us to exclaim, “Let it rain!” We recently told you about a couple of single-molecule epigenetic mapping methods involving chromatin. And now, two new papers show how using a droplet-based microfluidic platform can provide multiomic information about single-cell transcriptomes along with histone modifications or RNA […]
Keeping COVID-19 in the Family – SARS-CoV-2 Infection Reprograms Immune Responses Through Epigenetic MemorySeptember 24, 2023We try to keep exciting research findings in our epigenetic “family,” and a recent article now reports that our stem and immune cells are not so different when it comes to their epigenetic memory of SARS-CoV-2 infection! A new study now describes how SARS-CoV-2-mediated epigenetic reprogramming in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) severely impacts […]
Just Add HiDRO to Figure Out How Genomes Fold in Single CellsSeptember 14, 2023Water hydrates and is essential for life—for plants, humans, and even fish. So, it’s fitting that a new technique called HiDRO takes high-throughput FISH to the next level to identify factors that help genomes fold in 3D at high throughput in single cells. Cohesin helps DNA form loops, which can then form topologically associated domains (TADs). […]
“Dynamite” Study Uses TNT To Destroy Epigenetic Memories in Human iPSCsSeptember 11, 2023While lingering memories can represent unwelcome guests, destroying them with the power of dynamite may seem like overkill! However, a volatile new study now describes TNT or transient-naïve-treatment as a simple means of ridding human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) of their epigenetic memories and improving their therapeutic potential. An explosive epigenetic team headed by […]
Detecting Global Levels of 5mC and 5hmC at the Same Time—With ColorAugust 23, 2023Color is exciting and fun—just look at Andy Warhol’s striking silkscreen paintings of Marilyn Monroe. Now, a new method uses bright red and green fluorescence to detect global levels of both methylated and hydroxymethylated cytosine (5mCs and 5hmCs) modifications of genomic DNA in the same straightforward assay, which could lead to easy and inexpensive clinical […]
Bringing in “Young Blood” Persistently and Systemically Slows Epigenetic AgingAugust 22, 2023Be it a football team, a book club, or an epigenetics lab, bringing in “young blood” can seriously improve quality in the short term, but does this effect endure? Now, a heterochronic parabiosis study reveals that long-term exposure to young blood induces persistent slowing of DNA methylation-based epigenetic aging and extends healthy lifespans in mice! […]
Altered Chromatin Accessibility Shows Why Aging Stem Cells Don’t Know if They’re Coming or Going!August 13, 2023Once young and carefree, the passing years creep up on us all and bring so many responsibilities and places to be that we don’t know whether we are coming or going! A busy new study shows that the chromatin accessibility and gene expression alterations that occur during aging impact neural stem cells (NSCs) in much […]
Histone Serotonylation Helps Neurons and Astrocytes Collaborate to Kick up a Stink!July 19, 2023We all have those seemingly innocent friends who end up causing trouble when they meet. Now, a study has revealed that astrocytes and neurons – generally the best of buddies – employ an epigenetic mechanism involving histone serotonylation when they get together and “kick up a stink”! A floral-smelling “bunch” of researchers headed by Benjamin […]