DNA Methylation News and Research

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DNA methylation is a type of chemical modification of DNA that can be inherited and subsequently removed without changing the original DNA sequence. As such, it is part of the epigenetic code and is also the most well characterized epigenetic mechanism.

Revolutionary AI predicts aging and disease from DNA patterns

Researchers developed CpGPT, a novel foundation model for DNA methylation analysis that captures sequence, positional, and epigenetic context to predict aging and disease risks. This model offers breakthroughs in imputing missing data and improving mortality and morbidity predictions.

11 Nov 2024

Multitarget stool DNA test shows promise for early colorectal cancer detection

A recent prospective cross-sectional study in Thailand demonstrates that multitarget stool DNA testing is highly sensitive and specific for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) among Thai individuals.

6 Nov 2024

Research uncovers new insights into neuronal aging and rejuvenation

When a neuron ages, it loses synaptic connections with other neurons, it is less able to transmit nerve impulses, and its metabolism is also altered. This process of neuronal aging — inevitable with the passing of time — is particularly accelerated and becomes a risk factor in neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease.

24 Oct 2024

Maternal stress and depression alter infant DNA, with potential lifelong impact

Maternal stress and depression during pregnancy and postpartum are linked to DNA methylation changes in infants, potentially affecting their development and long-term health.

23 Oct 2024

DNA changes from high potency cannabis use may signal psychosis risk

Published in Molecular Psychiatry, this is the first study to suggest that the use of high potency cannabis leaves a distinct mark on DNA, providing valuable insights into the biological impact of cannabis use.

15 Oct 2024

New study reveals declining nutrient intake among U.S. women of reproductive age

Researchers compare trends in nutrient consumption from dietary sources and supplements in pregnant and non-pregnant women in the United States.

14 Oct 2024

Epigenomic dynamics shape human brain development and neuropsychiatric disorder risks

Researchers investigate chromatin conformational and epigenomic reorganization during the development of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

14 Oct 2024

Umeå University discovers critical mechanisms in stem cell differentiation

A study led by Umeå University, Sweden, presents new discoveries about how stem cells develop and transition into specialised cells. The discovery can provide increased understanding of how cells divide and grow uncontrollably so that cancer develops.

12 Oct 2024

Researchers uncover new mechanism of stem cell differentiation linked to cancer progression

A study led by Umeå University, Sweden, have made new discoveries about how stem cells develop and transition into specialized cells. The discovery can provide increased understanding of how cells divide and grow uncontrollably so that cancer develops.

12 Oct 2024

Alcohol's effects on embryo development detected in late-gestation placenta

A new study led by Pr. Serge McGraw, researcher at CHU Sainte-Justine and professor at Université de Montréal, shows that the effects of alcohol exposure on an embryo prior to implantation in the uterus can be detected in the late-gestation placenta.

9 Oct 2024

Transposable elements found to be dysregulated in Alzheimer's brains, revealing potential targets for therapy

Study reveals widespread dysregulation of transposable elements (TEs) in aging human brains with Alzheimer's disease, using advanced techniques like CRISPR interference to identify TE-related risk genes.

9 Oct 2024

Environmental factors significantly impact gene expression through epigenetic modifications

Epigenetics, the study of changes in gene function that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence, plays a pivotal role in understanding the complex interplay between genetics and the environment. The review article "Epigenetics and Environmental Health" provides an in-depth analysis of how epigenetic modifications can influence the onset and progression of various diseases, particularly cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

8 Oct 2024

CheekAge: Next-gen epigenetic clock accurately predicts mortality risk

Researchers developed CheekAge, an epigenetic clock based on buccal cells, and found it predicted mortality risk with significant accuracy. This study validates CheekAge as a reliable aging biomarker, outperforming first-generation clocks.

6 Oct 2024

CheekAge can accurately predict the risk of mortality, study shows

We don't all age at the same rate. But while some supercentenarians may age exceptionally slowly due to winning the genetics jackpot, a plethora of behavioral and lifestyle factors are known to speed up aging, including stress, poor sleep, poor nutrition, smoking, and alcohol.

1 Oct 2024

Epigenetic hallmarks of cancer unveiled in new research

Cancer mortality has just surpassed cardiovascular disease for the first time ever and one in two men, and one in three women, will be diagnosed with some form of the disease in the US, according to the NIH.

1 Oct 2024

Researchers advance ovarian cancer detection using cfDNA fragmentomes and protein biomarkers

Researchers developed a groundbreaking method to detect ovarian cancer early by analyzing cfDNA fragmentomes and protein biomarkers, significantly improving sensitivity and specificity over existing approaches.

1 Oct 2024

New mechanism uncovered behind immune decline after tuberculosis treatment

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions have discovered a mechanism that drives the long-term decline in immune response that is observed after tuberculosis (TB) has been successfully treated.

1 Oct 2024

Study uncovers novel genetic variant associated with intellectual disability

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have published a pivotal study in Nature Genetics (DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01917-1) that sheds light on a novel genetic variant associated with intellectual capacities and educational outcomes.

23 Sep 2024

New molecular map offers insights into human physiology and disease

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar (WCM-Q) have created an intricate molecular map of the human body and its complex physiological processes based on the analysis of thousands of molecules measured in blood, urine and saliva samples from 391 volunteers.

11 Sep 2024

Scientists reveal how DNA methylation drives astrocytes to become stem cells, unlocking new potential for brain repair

Researchers have discovered that DNA methylation is crucial for reprogramming astrocytes into stem cells in the adult mouse brain, especially after ischemic injury, with potential implications for regenerative medicine.

6 Sep 2024