Webinar: Lighting up the Dark Matter of the Genome – Unravelling the Roles of Non-Coding DNA in Disease and DevelopmentJune 26, 2013Dr. Marcel Dinger, PhD discusses some of the most recent findings that shed light on non-coding RNAs in the genome. **this webinar is no longer available** Abstract Approximately 98% of the human genome comprises noncoding DNA, the function of which is largely unknown. Intriguingly, more than 85% of single nucleotide polymorphisms identified to be associated […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Life Long Changes in DNA Methylation & ncRNAs in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)May 22, 2013Spring is in the air and with all the great weather who could say no to a nice refreshing beer or upside down margarita shot? Well, if you’re an expecting mother you may just want to hold off. Recent research from Dr. Shiva Singh’s laboratory at Western University (Oh Canada!) has shown that not only […]
Epigenetics in Stem Cells TimelineMay 7, 2013Epigenetics and stem cells go hand in pipette. These two research areas have seen explosive growth so we thought we’d highlight some of our favorite highlights.
The Future of lncRNAs with Dr. John RinnMay 2, 2013Dr. John L. Rinn from Harvard University and the Broad Institute (Harvard and MIT) is a prominent researcher in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and agreed to sit down and discuss his perspective on the intersection of lncRNA and epigenetics. EpiGenie: You’ve mentioned that you feel knockout models are going to play a key role in the […]