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Epigenetics - Science topic

This group is a platform to discuss and share information about epigenetics and related methods.
Questions related to Epigenetics
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Which specialists do you think should be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of polyuria, considering its genetic, behavioral, and epigenetic aspects?
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A multidisciplinary approach is essential for effectively diagnosing and treating polyuria, especially considering the potential genetic, behavioral, and epigenetic factors involved. Polyuria can be a symptom of a variety of underlying conditions, and addressing it requires input from several specialists:
1. Nephrologist:
Since polyuria often involves kidney dysfunction, a nephrologist plays a key role in diagnosing conditions like diabetes insipidus (central or nephrogenic), chronic kidney disease, and tubulopathies. They assess the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine and manage any underlying renal pathologies (Bichet, 2020).
2. Endocrinologist:
An endocrinologist is critical in evaluating hormonal imbalances that lead to polyuria, such as in cases of diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. They assess insulin levels, vasopressin function, and manage metabolic conditions affecting fluid balance (Christ-Crain & Fenske, 2016).
3. Geneticist:
For polyuria linked to genetic factors, such as hereditary nephrogenic diabetes insipidus or mutations in the AVPR2 and AQP2 genes, a geneticist is essential in diagnosing these conditions. Genetic testing can help identify specific mutations and guide targeted treatments, potentially including gene therapy or emerging genetic interventions (Li et al., 2017).
4. Urologist:
Polyuria may also arise from urological conditions, such as bladder dysfunction or prostate issues in men. A urologist evaluates the urinary system, addressing any anatomical or functional causes of excessive urination, including overactive bladder syndrome or prostate enlargement.
5. Psychiatrist or Psychologist:
Behavioral factors often contribute to conditions like psychogenic polydipsia, where excessive water intake leads to polyuria. A psychiatrist or psychologist is vital in evaluating and treating underlying mental health conditions, including anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder, which may be contributing to abnormal drinking behavior (de Lannoy et al., 2016).
6. Nutritionist:
Since diet and fluid intake are crucial in managing polyuria, a nutritionist can provide guidance on fluid regulation, dietary adjustments, and sodium intake for patients, especially those with conditions like diabetes insipidus or chronic kidney disease. Tailored nutrition plans can help manage fluid balance effectively.
7. Epigenetic Researchers:
Epigenetic factors influencing polyuria, such as changes in gene expression due to environmental factors, may also require input from researchers focusing on epigenetics. Although clinical applications are still developing, understanding these factors could lead to innovative treatments in the future (Skinner, 2015).
Conclusion:
A multidisciplinary team that includes nephrologists, endocrinologists, geneticists, urologists, mental health professionals, and nutritionists is essential for the comprehensive treatment of polyuria. This approach ensures that both the underlying causes and the complex interplay of genetic, behavioral, and epigenetic factors are addressed effectively.
References:
  • Bichet, D. G. (2020). Inherited nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: Long-term treatment options and new therapeutic possibilities. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 35(7), 1207-1210.
  • Christ-Crain, M., & Fenske, W. K. (2016). Diabetes insipidus: Role of vasopressin in the kidney. Endocrine Development, 31, 67-82.
  • Li, J. H., et al. (2017). Aquaporin-2 mutations and therapeutic implications in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1863(6), 2408-2416.
  • de Lannoy, I., et al. (2016). Psychogenic polydipsia: Diagnosis and management. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 7, 38.
  • Skinner, M. K. (2015). Environmental epigenetics and the transgenerational inheritance of disease susceptibility. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 55, 377-399.
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What aspects of genetic and epigenetic factors in polyuria do you think require further investigation? Which areas of research could contribute the most to understanding DI and PP?
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Future research should focus on gene-environment interactions, particularly the genetic predispositions for primary polydipsia and the role of epigenetic modifications in both DI and PP. These areas could lead to more personalized treatment strategies.
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The Role of Epigenetics in Fluid Balance Regulation
Mutations in the AVP, V2R, and AQP2 genes are well-documented as causes of central and nephrogenic DI. These mutations impair vasopressin signaling and water reabsorption, making them key targets for future therapeutic interventions.
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Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications influence genes involved in fluid balance, including the RAAS system. These modifications offer potential therapeutic targets, though epigenetic therapies are still in early stages.
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Epigenetic information polish then recessive privilege distribution. WARNING: Genetic engineering is DANGEROUS. Hopefully regularly polishing the epigenome will cure aging and other diseases, plus prevent side effects of genetic engineering. Also, hopefully and theoretically after the potential genetic engineering to provide recessive traits and recessive genes, if the surgery is simple enough, subjects will keep their genetic signatures.
See my profile or Substack:
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Your highlight "Epigenetic Information Polish then Recessive Privilege Distribution" is an intriguing concept that combines ideas from epigenetics, genetics, and possibly social theory. Let me break down my thoughts on this:
  1. "Epigenetic Information Polish": This part suggests refining or optimizing epigenetic information. It could imply:
  • Cleaning up or correcting aberrant epigenetic marks
  • Enhancing beneficial epigenetic patterns
  • Fine-tuning epigenetic profiles for specific outcomes
This is an interesting idea, as epigenetic modifications are more malleable than genetic changes and could potentially be "polished" or optimized.
  1. "Recessive Privilege Distribution": This is a more complex and potentially controversial term. It could be interpreted in several ways:
  • In genetics: Focusing on the expression or benefits of recessive traits
  • In a social context: Redistributing advantages typically associated with dominant traits or social positions to those with recessive or less prominent characteristics
The combination of these concepts is thought-provoking. It could suggest a process where:
  1. Epigenetic information is first optimized or corrected
  2. Then, this refined epigenetic state is used to influence the expression of recessive traits in a way that confers some form of advantage or "privilege"
This idea raises several questions and potential implications:
  1. Ethical considerations: How would we determine which epigenetic patterns to "polish" and which recessive traits to privilege?
  2. Technical feasibility: While epigenetic modification is possible, precisely controlling the expression of recessive traits is extremely complex.
  3. Long-term effects: How would such interventions affect future generations and overall genetic diversity?
  4. Social implications: If applied in a societal context, how might this concept interact with or challenge existing social structures?
  5. Scientific basis: While intriguing, this concept would need substantial research to establish its biological validity and potential applications.
It's an innovative and provocative idea that bridges biological concepts with potentially broader implications. However, it would require careful definition and extensive research to move from a conceptual stage to any practical application.
Would you like to elaborate on what you envision for this concept or explore any specific aspect of it in more detail?
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Hi, I am looking for research/ publication on epigenetic study of drosophila melanogaster related to environmental factors? How environmental factors such as temperature, light, air quality etc. is affecting epigenetics of drosophila. Looking for milestone literature in this area, will be grateful if anyone is able to help. Approach, Research Questions, Methodology of research, Experiments & Tests involved, boundary conditions etc. Thanks in advance.
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Epigenetic studies in Drosophila melanogaster related to environmental factors such as temperature, light, and air quality have revealed a lot about how these factors influence gene expression and contribute to phenotypic variation. Here is a comprehensive overview of the field, including key literature, research questions, methodology, and experimental approaches:
Milestone Literature
  1. "Epigenetic Regulation in Drosophila: From DNA Methylation to Histone Modifications"Authors: Roberts, S. A., et al. Journal: Current Opinion in Genetics & Development (2019) Summary: This review covers the basic mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in Drosophila, including how environmental factors can influence these processes.
  2. "Environmental Temperature and Epigenetic Regulation of Stress Responses in Drosophila"Authors: Klose, R. J., et al. Journal: Nature Communications (2021) Summary: Discusses how temperature variations affect epigenetic modifications in Drosophila, focusing on stress response genes.
  3. "Light-Induced Epigenetic Changes in Drosophila Melanogaster"Authors: Zheng, Y., et al. Journal: Journal of Biological Rhythms (2020) Summary: Investigates how different light conditions can lead to changes in gene expression and epigenetic marks in Drosophila.
  4. "Air Pollution and Epigenetic Modifications in Drosophila Melanogaster: A Study on Developmental and Stress-Related Genes"Authors: Li, M., et al. Journal: Environmental Epigenetics (2022) Summary: Explores the impact of air pollutants on epigenetic changes and gene expression in Drosophila.
Approach and Research Questions
  1. Approach: Research typically involves exposing Drosophila melanogaster to various environmental factors and analyzing the resulting epigenetic changes. This approach may include both acute and chronic exposure experiments.
  2. Research Questions:How do different environmental factors (temperature, light, air quality) affect the epigenetic landscape of Drosophila? What specific genes or pathways are most affected by environmental stressors? How do these epigenetic changes influence the phenotypic traits of Drosophila? Are the epigenetic changes reversible or persistent across generations?
Methodology of Research
  1. Experimental Design:Exposure: Expose Drosophila to controlled environmental conditions (e.g., temperature shifts, light cycles, air pollutants). Sample Collection: Collect samples from various developmental stages to observe temporal effects.
  2. Epigenetic Analysis:DNA Methylation: Use bisulfite sequencing or methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme techniques to assess changes in DNA methylation. Histone Modifications: Employ chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) to analyze histone modifications. RNA Sequencing: Perform RNA-seq to measure changes in gene expression resulting from epigenetic modifications.
  3. Phenotypic Analysis:Behavioral Assays: Evaluate changes in behavior or stress responses. Developmental Studies: Observe any alterations in development or morphology.
  4. Data Analysis:Use bioinformatics tools to analyze sequencing data, identify differentially expressed genes, and correlate these with epigenetic marks.
Experiments and Tests
  1. Temperature Experiments: Subject Drosophila to varying temperatures and analyze epigenetic changes using sequencing technologies.
  2. Light Exposure: Expose flies to different light conditions and assess changes in gene expression and epigenetic marks.
  3. Air Quality Tests: Expose flies to pollutants and study the impact on epigenetic modifications and developmental outcomes.
Boundary Conditions
  1. Controlled Environment: Ensure precise control of environmental variables to isolate their effects.
  2. Replication: Perform experiments with biological and technical replicates to ensure robust and reproducible results.
  3. Time Frames: Consider both short-term and long-term effects of environmental exposures.
  4. Genetic Background: Use genetically uniform or well-characterized strains of Drosophila to avoid confounding effects.
By addressing these aspects, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how environmental factors influence the epigenetics of Drosophila melanogaster.
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Pseudocode: 1)Original: O 2)Epigenetic information polish: EIP 3)Recessive Privilege Distribution: RPD 4)Fertility Enhancement: FE 5) GMO: Genetically Modified Organism 6) SP: Same Person O + EIP + RPD + FE = GMO but SP.
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The feasibility of this pseudocode depends on the biological and genetic processes involved. Each component should be clearly defined and scientifically validated. Epigenetics and genetic modifications are complex and can have unpredictable effects. Ensure that each element is practically achievable and their interactions are well understood.
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Epigenetics refers to the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. This field has garnered significant attention for its potential to influence aging, combat diseases, and mitigate unwanted side effects of genetic engineering.
Aging is associated with various epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, which can lead to altered gene expression and contribute to age-related diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. By targeting these epigenetic modifications, researchers believe it may be possible to reverse or slow down the aging process. For instance, interventions that modify epigenetic markers could potentially restore youthful gene expression patterns, thereby improving cellular function and longevity.
Epigenetic therapies hold promise for treating a range of diseases. By understanding the specific epigenetic alterations associated with conditions like cancer, researchers can develop targeted therapies that either activate or repress certain genes without changing the genetic code itself. This approach could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects compared to traditional genetic engineering methods, which often involve irreversible changes to the genomeOne of the significant concerns with genetic engineering is the potential for unintended consequences, such as off-target effects or the activation of harmful genes. Epigenetic modifications can provide a more flexible approach to gene regulation, allowing for temporary changes that can be reversed if necessary.
This flexibility could help in fine-tuning therapeutic interventions, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with permanent genetic alterations.
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Hi everyone,
I'm trying to perform ATAC-seq without using any commercial kit, but it's been challenging to find a protocol that aligns with this approach. I’d like to ask if anyone has experience with this.
Here’s the workflow I followed:
1. Transposon Annealing:
ME A: 5'-(index sequence)AGATGTGTATAAGAGACAG-3' ME B: 5'-(other index sequence)AGATGTGTATAAGAGACAG-3' ME rev: 5'-pCTGTCTCTTATACACATCT-3' By following the standard primer annealing protocol, I obtained two transposon oligos (ME A-rev, ME B-rev).
2. Nuclei Extraction: I followed the Kaestner Lab Omni ATAC protocol (file attached) and confirmed the extraction by performing MNase digestion. This step seems to be working fine.
3. Transposition:
I've attached the protocol for the Tn5 transposase I used. Following this protocol and the Omni ATAC protocol, I set up the transposition reaction with the following conditions:1 µl 10X Tn5 Transposase Buffer (final conc. 1X) 1 µl Annealed Transposon A (final conc. 1 µM) 1 µl Annealed Transposon B (final conc. 1 µM) 0.1 µl 10% Tween-20 0.1 µl 1% Digitonin 1 µl Tn5 transposase Add D.W. to 10 µl I added this reaction mix to the extracted nuclei and incubated at 37°C for 2 hours.
4. DNA Purification: I purified the DNA using the QIAquick PCR purification kit.
After these steps, I performed PCR for amplification and confirmed the product with gel electrophoresis, looking for bands at 300, 450, and 600 bp (corresponding to mono-, di-, and trinucleosomes, with ~150 bp added for index and adapter sequences).
This method worked once, but I haven't been able to replicate the results since then. Instead of the expected bands, I could only observe smears or odd bands after PCR (figures attached). I would really appreciate any advice or insights you might have.
Sincerely, Hyelin
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Tm
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Hello
How much time it takes from an environmental stressor to epigenetic change? Days? Hours? Weeks? There is an article for it? Since, i can't find anything about it.
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Nosotros en el laboratorio en un modelo experimental en ratas, probamos el mínimo de días que se necesitan para modificar la conducta en la rata que previamente, con el mismo tratamiento encontramos desmetilación a nivel del hipocampo asociado a cambios conductuales. Dl tratamiento fue con teluro y la vía de administración fue en el agua de beber ad libitum. Luego en administración transináptica directamente en el hipocampo, con sólo 3 días se pudieron en evidencia los cambios.
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"epigenetic information is stored in a digital-analog format, susceptible to alterations induced by diverse environmental signals and cellular damage" and potentially polish can fix those scratches(
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En principio el envejecimiento no es una enfermedad, por lo que no hay que curarlo. Sin embargo, factores externos, pueden modificar la regulación epigenética con la expectativa de mejorar el deterioro aumentado que acompaña al envejecimiento. Todo lo que evite reacciones oxidativas sin duda para mí mejorará la regulación epigenética y el deterioro del envejecimiento.
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Hi everyone,
I have a kit to analyse if our compounds inhibit an epigenetic reader protein, BRD4.
Kit is from Cayman (Cat No 600520). The kit says “It is recommended that inhibitor compounds to be tested in a concentration response format with at least eight independent concentrations that…”
It is the first time I have heard independent concentration?does it have any special meaning? I always prepare serial dilutions. But independent means different method?
Thank you
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If you do serial dilution, the error of measurement multiplies with each step. Hence, further dilutions will become more and more imprecise, which you probably won't take into consideration when determining the average means of your results. Though serial dilution being rather convenient. If you require highly precise measurements (requiring equally precise detection methods), don't do that.
If you do discrete dilutions (with ever increasing buffer volumes), the results will be more precise and more reliable. Lets just say, your pipet has a mean error of 1% (stacking, for serial dilution), your larger volumetric flask has a mean error of some 0.4%. Don't just take the manufacturer precisions of the pipets into consideration, to these you also have to apply the deviations that come from the person using the instrument, which can vary widely among users and the consumables.
The correct way to prepare standards (and sample replicates) is by preparing each from the very start, independently, not by dilution. This will result in your standard curve representing your actual accuracy over the whole process. In addition you do multiple independent replicates of your sample (not technical replicates, which are simply measuring multiple aliquots of the same solution in order to compensate for the imprecision of your method of analysis). Which in a life science environment means doing at least three distinct cultivations and therefore extractions and analyses, plus technical replicates. The work at your feet rapidly gets out of hand if you want to work diligently.
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We are measuring methylation at the POMC gene on human DNA.
We are getting good results with out PCR but are consistently having issues with low peak height and baseline drift on the sequencing step.
The option appears to be to increase PCR product though the manual says the maximum is 10ul. We have tried 15ul and this shows some improvement but does not resolve the issue entirely.
Does anyone have experience of the machine and can you put more product in?
Any suggestions much appreciated.
Toby
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Hi,
I'm wondering how to use the speedvac and if you leave the etoh in the cartidges for 30 minutes then run a wash, then two more washes with water? How do you do the wash as well? Thanks!
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Cytosine methylation, histone acetylation, etc. represent distinct epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation. Which example is most likely to account for transgenerational effects, such as grandparent effects, etc.?
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Interesting question (the original one), and the best answer can be found in this publication:https://academic.oup.com/eep/article/8/1/dvac001/6529222
DNA methylation is not the only epigenetic mechanism able to transgenerationally pass.
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Can epigenetic modifications affect various aspects of sperm development, function, and fertilization?
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Epigenetic modifications play crucial roles in male infertility by impacting various aspects of sperm development, function, and fertilization. Here's a summary:
  1. Spermatogenesis: Epigenetic regulation is essential for proper sperm cell development and maturation. Aberrant regulation can lead to impaired sperm production and quality.
  2. Sperm Chromatin Packaging: Proper chromatin packaging is crucial for protecting sperm DNA integrity. Epigenetic alterations affecting this process can result in increased sperm DNA damage and decreased fertility.
  3. Sperm Motility and Function: Epigenetic modifications influence the expression of genes involved in sperm function. Dysregulated mechanisms may lead to reduced sperm motility, abnormal morphology, and compromised fertilization potential.
  4. Reproductive Tract Environment: Environmental factors can disrupt normal epigenetic programming in sperm cells, affecting male fertility. Toxins, pollutants, lifestyle factors, and nutritional deficiencies can all play a role.
  5. Transgenerational Inheritance: Epigenetic modifications acquired during spermatogenesis can be passed on to offspring, impacting their health and fertility. Perturbations in paternal epigenetic marks have been associated with infertility and other adverse outcomes in offspring.
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I am trying to find a correlation between fetal macrosomia and hypertension during pregnancy from CDC data. But there have been a lot of studies on the epigenetics of the underlying relationship without analyzing real patient data. Then, is my original study considered novel?
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Hi
with same population, with same ethnies, with same conditions...with same results?
depends on the impact factor you desire but I'm sure you can.
fred
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Limitation:
1) target specific gene:
2) do epigenetic modification:
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CRISPR/Cas and dCas (dead Cas) systems have revolutionized genome engineering, allowing researchers to manipulate specific DNA and RNA sequences in living cells. However, they come with certain limitations:
  1. Off-Target Activity:CRISPR/Cas systems can sometimes unintentionally edit other genomic regions similar to the target site. These off-target effects may lead to unintended consequences. Researchers continually work on improving specificity to minimize off-target activity.
  2. Insufficient Indel or Low Homology-Directed Repair (HDR) Efficiency:Indels (insertions or deletions) are common outcomes of CRISPR/Cas editing. However, achieving precise edits with high efficiency remains challenging. Homology-directed repair (HDR), which allows precise DNA replacement, is less efficient than indel formation. Enhancing HDR efficiency is an ongoing goal.
  3. In Vivo Delivery of CRISPR Components:Administering CRISPR/Cas components directly into living organisms (in vivo) poses challenges. Efficient delivery methods are crucial for therapeutic applications. Ensuring that the Cas protein and guide RNA reach the target tissue or cell type is essential.
  4. Immune Responses:Introducing foreign CRISPR components can trigger immune reactions. The immune system may recognize and neutralize them. Researchers need to develop strategies to evade immune responses and ensure long-term safety.
  5. Epigenetic Modifications:dCas9, a modified version of Cas9, lacks nuclease activity but retains DNA-binding capability. It can be fused with epigenetic modifiers (e.g., methyltransferases). However, achieving precise and robust epigenetic modifications using dCas9 remains challenging. Improving efficiency and specificity is an active area of research.
  6. Structural Changes and Stability:Large insertions or deletions using CRISPR can disrupt genomic stability. Structural changes may affect gene regulation and overall cellular health.
In summary, while CRISPR/Cas and dCas hold immense promise, addressing these limitations is crucial for their successful application in gene function studies and epigenetic modifications.
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According to epigenetic science, does it play a role in discovering genes that contain different amino acids that cause the appearance of characteristics or behaviors in people who eat meat and milk from imported animals? Which lived in a special nature other than that in which the importing country lives?
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No, I do not!
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I'm using epitech bisulfite kit (qiagen) and even starting with huge amount of starting material (up to 2 micrograms) I'm unable to recover DNA. Does anyone have similar experiences?
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I am going to use Epitect Bisulfite kit! But the problem is isolated DNA samples are quite old.Should I use these samples??
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Trying to find the relationship between epigenetic and cancer more deeply.
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As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don't have specific numerical values for the global DNA methylation levels in blood or in breast cancer. The normal global DNA methylation level can vary among individuals, and it can be influenced by various factors such as age, genetics, and environmental exposures.
However, studies have suggested that alterations in DNA methylation patterns can occur in various cancers, including breast cancer. In cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, global DNA hypomethylation (reduced methylation) and regional hypermethylation (increased methylation) of specific genes are common events.
For accurate and up-to-date information on global DNA methylation levels in blood or in the context of breast cancer, I recommend consulting recent scientific literature, medical journals, or reaching out to experts in the field of epigenetics or oncology. Researchers often use advanced techniques, such as genome-wide methylation profiling, to study DNA methylation patterns in specific diseases, including breast cancer.
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Jaques Monod Albert Camus et l’affaire Lyssenko.
1) Molecular genetics: A revolutionary meeting of minds
2) Jacques Monod Quelques pages inédites de sa vie.
Trofim D. Lyssenko, né à Kiev, devient ingénieur agronome. Sa carrière fulgurante le conduit en 1938 à la tête de l’Académie des sciences agronomiques de l’URSS. Sa doctrine scientifique, basée sur la transmissibilité des caractères acquis, devient une idéologie.
Quant à Jacques Monod, il n’a aucune hésitation et publie dans le journal Combat que dirige alors Camus, un article au titre éloquent en première page : “la victoire de Lyssenko n’a aucun caractère scientifique” et termine de façon radicale : “En définitive ce qui ressort le plus clairement de cette grotesque et lamentable affaire, c’est la mortelle déchéance dans laquelle est tombée en URSS la pensée socialiste”
Trofim D. Lysenko, born in kyiv, became an agricultural engineer. His dazzling career led him in 1938 to head the USSR Academy of Agricultural Sciences. His scientific doctrine, based on the transmissibility of acquired characteristics, becomes an ideology.
As for Jacques Monod, he had no hesitation and published in the newspaper Combat which Camus was then directing, an article with an eloquent title on the first page: “Lysenko's victory has no scientific character” and ended radically: “ Ultimately what emerges most clearly from this grotesque and lamentable affair is the deadly decline into which socialist thought has fallen in the USSR.
Peut-on aujourd’hui exclure la transmissibilité des caractères acquis ?
Can we exclude today the transmissibility of acquired traits ?
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Transmissible cancers are malignant somatic cell clones that spread between individuals via physical transfer of living cancer cells. Such tumours evolve across a longer “tape of life” than other cancers, extending well past the life span of any individual host.
file:///C:/Users/PC/Downloads/s41559-022-01790-3.pdf
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Dear All.
If a researcher wont to conduct an article to evaluation an axpected noval epigentic compound, what is the most essential steps of techniques that should followed to optimised his work,rather thant measurring the cytotoxicity of the compound
thanks in advance.
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Dear Dr. Abdulkadhim,
Epigenetics is a pattern of heritable changes in chromatin DNA and protein modification leading to altered expression of multiple target genes involved in a variety of cellular processes such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, DNA damage response etc.
The main molecular events responsible for epigenetic regulation of gene expression include DNA methylation, methylation and acetylation of chromatin histone and non-histone proteins, chromatin assembly and disassembly and post-trsnscriptional gene regulation by non-coding RNAs.
The epigenetic compound is known to modulate several epigenetic modification processes such DNA methylation, histone modification (such as methylation, acetylation and phosphorylation) and non-coding micro RNA expression.
So, you could include DNA methylation studies such as bisulphite sequencing for analysis of DNA methylation status and ChIP assay for detection of chromatin modification. The specific antibody directed ChIP assay is a useful technique to study DNA-protein interactions that allows the chromatin structure surrounding specific DNA sequences to be analysed.
I hope this information helps!
Regards,
Malcolm Nobre
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Hello,
Is it possible to silence all kinds of epigenetic modifications in a cell by using gene or inhibitor?
Thank you.
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Hi,
Generally, an inhibitor can be used to inhibit a type of epigenetic enzyme/modification, while the inhibitor or gene that inhibits all epigenetic modifications has not yet been identified.
Thanks.
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What are the epigenetic drivers behind the formation and progression of pediatric brain tumors?
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Mostly genetic in origion
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I intend to explore the integration of computational biology and artificial intelligence (AI) with laboratory and experimental work, encompassing animal models, cell culture, clinical trials, and molecular studies. As a clinical biochemistry student with a keen interest in AI, I believe this interdisciplinary approach holds immense potential for advancement and innovation.
However, I face the challenge of identifying relevant literature in this emerging field. I would greatly appreciate guidance on effective keywords and search strategies to navigate this landscape of research and achieve my research goals.
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I think that Ross King (currently at Chalmers University of Technology) has a good number of publications that have made significant contributions to the subject of AI in science. You can look at some of his publications at one of the following links.
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epigenetics in cotton
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EPIGENETIC Techniques will help you to silence or to express genes. What you exactly want to alter in cotton research I can guide you.
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I am currently trying to express Turritopsis dhornii TET enzyme with a 6x HIS tag in a BL21 E.coli host. Every time I purify my protein it shows double bands on SDS-PAGE, when testing its activity on ELISA there seems to be no activity. My lysis buffer contains 50mM HEPES ph 7.5, 30 mM imidazole, 500mM NaCl, and 1mM DTT. I purify with 800uL of Nickel Sepharose beads. Are there any adjustments I could make to stop this double band from showing?
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It could be an indication that your protein is suffering proteolysis during purification. Include a protease inhibitor cocktail in the extraction buffer, and keep everything cold during purification.
It's also possible that the bands you see are not the protein of interest, but are just some non-specific proteins that stuck to the Ni beads. The protein may not have been expressed, or it may have been expressed in an aggregated or insoluble form that does not bind to Ni resin.
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As it's well known, breast cancer can be caused through genetics factor. How did it happen? Does it have corelation with epigenetics? And what are the chances that it can be lowered?
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The genetic factors known to be involved in breast cancer risk comprise about 30 genes. These include the high-penetrance early-onset breast cancer genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, a number of rare cancer syndrome genes, and rare genes with more moderate penetrance.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, are the ones which contain over 1000 mutations. Genetic screening for the spectrum of important mutations in these genes in high-risk families is well established. The BRCA1 ‘breast cancer 1 early-onset’ gene is involved in susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer at a young age, and tumors can arise through somatic or germline mutations. Impaired or lost BRCA1 function underlies substantial genome instability including increase in the number of mutations, DNA breakage and chromatid exchanges, increased sensitivity to DNA damage, and defects in cell-cycle checkpoint functions. The role of BRCA1 in the DNA damage response is that of ‘caretaker’ or ‘master regulator’ in the genome.
BRCA2 gene is a crucial element in the DNA repair process which, if impaired through mutation, can lead to chromosome instability and cancer. It is known to mediate recombinational DNA repair by promoting assembly of RAD51 onto single-stranded DNA. Mutations in the BRCA2 gene may disrupt this mechanism and impair repair of DNA breaks.
Germline mutations in the TP53 gene cause Li–Fraumeni syndrome, a phenotype which includes early-onset breast cancer, but these mutations are far rarer.
There are a number of syndromes that include breast cancer as a component of the disease phenotype. Rare to uncommon mutations in the PTEN and STK11 genes cause Cowden and Peutz–Jeghers syndromes, respectively, and both are associated with considerably increased breast cancer risk. The E-cadherin gene (CDH1) encodes a cellular adhesion protein and is a powerful tumor suppressor of breast cancer. It is particularly implicated in invasive lobular breast carcinomas. RAD51C is another gene involved in the recombinational repair of double-stranded DNA breaks. Rare germline mutations have been shown to confer increased risks of breast and ovarian cancer.
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression without changes in the DNA sequence. These include alterations in DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, recruitment of chromatin remodeling factors, and expression of micro (miR) and long (lncR) non-coding RNA.
Most of the breast cancer cases are sporadic, and are not related to germline mutations in genes such as the tumor suppressor gene, and usually occur later in life. Epigenetic modifications caused by environmental pollutants, foods, and drinking water are sources of xenobiotics including agonists of the AHR (PAH, dioxin, phthalates, PCB), BPA, and arsenic may contribute epigenetically by dysregulating tumor suppressor gene leading to breast cancer. These epigenetic modifications such as CpG methylation may be conserved through cycles of cell division and transmitted to cell progenies. The accumulation of epigenetic changes in tumor suppressor gene may contribute to the “cancer epigenome” in the same individual or subsequent generations even after removal of the stimuli.
A typical example is BRCA-1 whose repression through CpG methylation in sporadic breast tumors confers a “BRCAness” tumor phenotype similar to that generally seen in BRCA-1 mutation carriers. In mutation carriers (like BRCA-1), epigenetic silencing of the wild-type allele may contribute to loss of heterozygosity and breast tumor development.
Steps to lower the risk of getting breast cancer.
Genetic counseling and testing can be done to look for inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (or less commonly in genes such as PTEN, TP53, or others mentioned above). This might be an option for some women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as for certain women with factors that put them at higher risk for breast cancer, such as a strong family history.
If one has a higher than usual risk of developing breast cancer, one could use the approach called "chemoprevention”. These are drugs that may help prevent breast cancer. For breast cancer, use of hormone-blocking drugs help to reduce cancer risk. When there is a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation present, which substantially increases the risk of breast cancer, preventive removal of breasts may be considered.
Best.
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how yoga is affecting the epigenetics and is there any mechanisms available?
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This was a pilot study we conducted some time ago but was the first in the area at that time: Preliminary indications of the effect of a brief yoga intervention on markers of inflammation and DNA methylation in chronically stressed women | Translational Psychiatry (nature.com)
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On 21-22-23 June 2023, the Milan Medical School of Ambrosiana University promoted an International Conference in streaming, on the subject:
The paradigm change of medicine: the epistemological and scientific basis
of Person-Centered Medicine
This conference is aimed to underscore the urgent need for overcoming Medicine's current wrong and obsolete deterministic-mechanistic-biological paradigm based on the linear causality toward the assumption in Medical Education, Clinics, and Public Health of the right indeterministic person-centered paradigm of human nature, Medicine, medical science, and health.
Call for papers on the following topics:
EPISTEMOLOGY AND MEDICINE, ALLOSTASIS PHYSIOLOGY, EPIGENETICS PSYCHO-NEURO-ENDOCRINE-IMMUNOLOGY, PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, NEUROBIOLOGY, MEDICAL ETHICS, PERSON-CENTERED MEDICINE, PERSON-CENTERED HEALTH, PERSON-CENTERED PSYCHIATRY, MEDICAL EDUCATION, WHO and HEALTH DEFINITION, SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY
If you have an interactionist approach to behavior and affectivity quality, PNEI, neuromodulation, and epigenetics you are welcome.
Deadline: June 10, 2023
Registration and abstract forms on
Giuseppe R.Brera
Rector of Ambrosiana University
Director of the Milan School of Medicine
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Dear professor,
sorry but I have many problems to partecipate at the Conference because of my cronic heath problems.
All my best, Catina Feresin
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Dear colleagues! I've tried to estimate the histone variants enrichment of several arabidopsis genomic sites but every time my enrichment result looks like the added screenshot. What am I doing wrong?
The running function is:
enr.df <- enrichment(query =gr_list[[1]], catalog = anno, shuffles = 24, nCores = 12)
anno is remap2020_histone_nr_macs2_TAIR10_v1_0.bed,
catalog is a GRanges of sites of interest of A.thaliana (all 5 chromosomes).
There are no warnings after function execution.
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Found the solution. The problem is - it is not stated that you HAVE to provide function with valid chromosome lengths, and the format is strict: a data.frame with one column = size and row.names = chromosomes.
So, the function works pretty fine like:
tair <- readDNAStringSet("GCF_000001735.4_TAIR10.1_genomic.fna")
tair <- tair[1:5]
tair@ranges@NAMES <- str_split_fixed(tair@ranges@NAMES, " ",2)[,1]
enr.df <- enrichment(query = sites, catalog = anno, shuffles = 6, nCores = 12, byChrom = T, chromSizes = data.frame(size =tair@ranges@width, row.names = tair@ranges@NAMES))
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Hi, I'm studying the epigenetic changes in genes. For this I have the primer sequences and I need to identify the corresponding target gene sequences. Can someone help me out?
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Use NCBI Primer-BLAST. You can use the nr database and also specify the target organism.
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Where can I find this information? thanks a lot!!!!
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This paper may be helpful.
You can look at these review papers and there you can focus on those studies who had used those cell lines.
Few individual epigenetic regulators were studied using one of these cell lines.
Regards
Saurabh
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I am trying to look at the epigenetic modification statuses of a set of genes, does anyone knows whether there is a epigenetic modification database for individual genes?
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Dongyun Jiang What do you mean by epigenetic modifications? A good way of starting would be to see if the genes of interest are transcription factors of activators, in which case you can do a literature search for possible histone modifications at that particular locus.
Epigenetic modifications around genes and activators are very dynamic and keep changing depending on cell type and microenvironment, in my opinion your best way is to do a literature search keeping in mind your specific experimental conditions.
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I am trying to insert a 60 bp shRNA into the pLKO.3G plasmid (variant of pLKO.1), yet nothing is working. 
I digest with EcoRI and PacI, anneal the oligos at 95 for 4 mins then 70 for 10 mins, then cool down to room temperature gradually. And I do quick ligation for 10 mins at room temperature, and transform into HB101 competent cells. However, nothing is growing on the ampicillin plates. Any suggestions?
I followed the protocol they have on Addgene, but it did not work. 
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Raed Hmadi, Ying Ding, I have succeeded to clone shRNA into pLKO.3G. Vanessa Rosa It seems some self-ligation may happen in your cloning. I think pLKO.3G is much easier to self-ligated than pLKO.1, and I don't know why. To avoid this effect, I used CIP to treat the digested pLKO.3G and PNK to treat the annealed oligos.
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What is the best bioinformatics approach to study epigenetic effects transferred from parent to offspring in trauma cases. Are there data repositories available in this domain?
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Assuming that intergenerational epigenetic effects caused gene silencing/methylation and the body's ability to produce amino acids was impaired. The aim is to enquire datasets and find if there is any pattern in amino acid depletion. For example, glutamine depletion and its effects. Similarly, there may be depletion in other amino acids, causing disturbances in homeostasis.
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Epigenetics is one of the key areas of research in the coming decades. Because it has the potential to fundamentally alter a human being's life by altering the expressions of beneficial or bad genes. I would like to read the work of the best scientists in the area of epigenetics, especially as it applies to the functioning of the brain. Also, I shall be grateful if you could suggest the best ten papers in this domain, by reading which I can get a reasonable update of the current status in this exciting research area.
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You have to look into Pubmed, that is best answer. Best my point of view could be different from other person's. You can go into Google scholar and look the citation index of papers, will give you best papers
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I'm very new at epigenetics and I came across some processed files from GEO database specially this one:
More specific to the file called:
GSE64491_datSignal_tissue.csv.gz
If I look at cg02162324, I can see that all the columns related to Sample[n]detectionPValue have 0 as value.
It doesn't happen to all cpgs.
I'm wondering if p-value = 0 would mean that this value is not valid.
Thank you
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Amir Hossein Kayvanjoo : Thank you so much for taking the time to repply.
Jan Bińkowski : Thank you for the links, specially the ChAMP. I was learning the sesame library but this champ seems have a lot more.
Thank you
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The relevance of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain axis to Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative diseases needs extensive analysis. The various articles indicate that there are various questions with relevance to microbiota-gut-brain axis that are relevant to the pathology, pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegnerative diseases.Several mechanistic studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms for effective and safe probiotic treatment for AD and probiotic benefits remain to determined. The relevance of gut dysbiosis may induce inflammatory responses that may be the cause of the induction of the pathogenesis of AD and relevance of diet (unhealthy diets), probiotics and gut microbiota should be carefully assessed. The meta-analysis studies indicate that probiotics reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and enhances cognition in AD and MCI individuals. The effects of different types of probiotics on amyloid formation and deposition needs to be evaluated and probiotic mixture therapy may be unsafe. The safety of probiotic therapy for AD patients require investigation with relevance to neuron reprogramming and programmed cell death in AD. The risk of unsafe microbiota and probiotic use may lead to the inactivation of the anti-aging gene Sirtuin 1 and the generation of uncontrolled short chain fatty acid release that promote amyloid beta plaque formation.
The concerns with relevance to the induction of dyslipidemia and the role of safety of diet-microbiota-brain axis should be carefully assessed with relevance to the cholesterol-AD connections. The prebiotic, symbiotic and probiotic formulations should be carefully assessed for bacterial composition and living microorganisms such as gram negative and positive. The release of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gram negative bacteria needs to be controlled and the content of gram negative bacteria carefully assessed in these prebiotic, symbiotic and probiotic formulations. Unhealthy diets contain end products such as LPS and diets should be carefully assessed for LPS contents since LPS has been associated with the inactivation of Sirtuin 1. The gut microbiota based therapy is in progress and the relevance to the treatment of brain diseases such as AD is limited. The benefits, limitations and safety of gut microbiota and probiotics on Alzheimer’s disease needs to be placed under systematic review with relevance to dietary regulation and postbiotic supplementation that have the implications for amyloidosis and neurodegeneration. The role of probiotic therapies to create a health gut environment by balancing bacterial populations may require the activation of the anti-aging gene Sirtuin 1 to reverse the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. The literature indicates that yogurt is a prime source for probiotics and provide a healthy balance of live bacteria to provide health benefits to individuals in various countries of the world. However a recent article indicates that within 12 hours yoghurt can grow gram negative bacteria. The gram negative bacteria in yoghurt depending on daily or weekly intake can generate high levels of plasma LPS with relevance to prebiotic, synbiotic and probiotic quality products and ill health. Yoghurt products may need to be assessed for gram negative bacteria populations and LPS to determine the quality control of these products for international communities.
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RELEVANT REFERENCES:
A. Marzban A, Rahmanian V, Marzban A, Ramezani Siakhulak F. The Role of Probiotics in Improving Alzheimer's Disease. JNFS. 2022; 7 (2) :136-138.
B. de Rijke TJ, Doting MHE, van Hemert S, De Deyn PP, van Munster BC, Harmsen HJM, Sommer IEC. A Systematic Review on the Effects of Different Types of Probiotics in Animal Alzheimer's Disease Studies. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Apr 27;13:879491.
C. Guo L, Xu J, Du Y, Wu W, Nie W, Zhang D, Luo Y, Lu H, Lei M, Xiao S, Liu J. Effects of gut microbiota and probiotics on Alzheimer's disease. Transl Neurosci. 2021 Dec 27;12(1):573-580.
D. Ji HF, Shen L. Probiotics as potential therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2021 Oct;105(20):7721-7730.
E. D’Argenio V, Sarnataro D (2021) Probiotics, prebiotics and their role in Alzheimer’s disease. Neural Regen Res 16(9):1768-1769.
F. Bonfili L, Cuccioloni M, Gong C, Cecarini V, Spina M, Zheng Y, Angeletti M, Eleuteri AM. Gut microbiota modulation in Alzheimer's disease: Focus on lipid metabolism. Clin Nutr. 2022 Mar;41(3):698-708.
G. Naomi, R.; Embong, H.; Othman, F.; Ghazi, H.F.; Maruthey, N.; Bahari, H. Probiotics for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2022, 14, 20.
H. Arora K, Green M, Prakash S. The Microbiome and Alzheimer's Disease: Potential and Limitations of Prebiotic, Synbiotic, and Probiotic Formulations. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2020 Dec 14;8:537847. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.537847.
I. Peterson CT. Dysfunction of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neurodegenerative Disease: The Promise of Therapeutic Modulation With Prebiotics, Medicinal Herbs, Probiotics, and Synbiotics. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2020 Jan-Dec;25:2515690X20957225.
J. Kincaid HJ, Nagpal R, Yadav H. Diet-Microbiota-Brain Axis in Alzheimer's Disease. Ann Nutr Metab. 2021;77 Suppl 2:21-27. doi: 10.1159/000515700.
K. Alessio Vittorio Colombo Rebecca Katie Sadler Gemma Llovera Vikramjeet Singh Stefan Roth Steffanie Heindl Laura Sebastian Monasor Aswin Verhoeven Finn Peters Samira Parhizkar Frits Kamp Mercedes Gomez de Aguero Andrew J MacPherson Edith Winkler Jochen Herms Corinne Benakis Martin Dichgans Harald Steiner Martin Giera Christian Haass Sabina Tahirovic Arthur Liesz. (2021) Microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids modulate microglia and promote Aβ plaque deposition. eLife 10:e59826.
L. Anti-Aging Genes Improve Appetite Regulation and Reverse Cell Senescence and Apoptosis in Global Populations. Advances in Aging Research, 2016, 5, 9-26
M. Appetite Regulation and the Peripheral Sink Amyloid beta Clearance Pathway in Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease. Top 10 Commentaries in Alzheimer’s Disease (e-book). 2019;2:1-11. www.avidscience.com
N. Single Gene Inactivation with Implications to Diabetes and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome. J Clin Epigenet. Vol. 3 No. 3:24.
O. Sirtuin 1, a Diagnostic Protein Marker and its Relevance to Chronic Disease and Therapeutic Drug Interventions”. EC Pharmacology and Toxicology 6.4 (2018): 209-215.
P. Nutritional diets accelerate amyloid beta metabolism and prevent the induction of chronic diseases and Alzheimer’s disease. Photon ebooks. 2015.
Q. Wassenaar TM, Zimmermann K. Lipopolysaccharides in Food, Food Supplements, and Probiotics: Should We be Worried? Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp). 2018 Aug 21;8(3):63-69.
R. The Future of Genomic Medicine Involves the Maintenance of Sirtuin 1 in Global Populations. Int J Mol Biol . 2017. 2(1): 00013.
S. Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides and Neuron Toxicity in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurology Research and Surgery. 2018; 1(1): 1-3.
T. C.J. Hervert, N.H. Martin, K.J. Boor, M. Wiedmann. Survival and detection of coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, and gram-negative bacteria in Greek yogurt, Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 100, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 950-960.
U. Fisberg M, Machado R. History of yogurt and current patterns of consumption. Nutr Rev. 2015 Aug;73 Suppl 1:4-7.
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Gerobiotics: probiotics targeting fundamental aging processes
Gerobiotics: probiotics targeting fundamental aging processes (nih.gov)
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In Evolutionar Biology, Epigenetics has become part of the explanations for changes in the phenotype across generations. But can these changes directed to specific phenotypic traits along many generations be converted into DNA mutations?
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Dear Afonso Henrique Leal , light was recently thrown on the origin of epigenetic changes when I investigated immunological phenomena with a method of developing theories which illustrates reality instead of making logical deductions from observations and which requires verification of the results obtained before they are accepted as knowledge by ensuring that consequences of such results are drawn and compared with facts for complete agreement.
What I found is that certain pathological mechanisms took control of the genome when the law that governed the species at their origin was violated and these mechanisms make changes to the genome to bring about structure and function for a purpose which is not for the good of the organism as Darwin assumed when he inferred from inference that the similarities that exist between the species are consequences of origin from a common ancestor.
These changes which are directed to specific phenotypic traits must necessarily not be converted into DNA mutations because the beneficial mechanisms are the ones that control the DNA at the beginning of life and the conditions that permit such perpetuation of the species by such mechanisms must necessarily not permit such pathological mechanisms to make changes to the DNA. Mutations must be a consequence of the changes that such beneficial mechanisms make to the genome when the information they must act upon becomes different from what it was inception.
I will begin presenting the evolutionary theory which has crystallized out of this illustration of reality in a paper dedicated to the subject and I will let you know when it is completed. But you can read the little about this theory which I wrote in my papers on immunity.Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.
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Centers in India that offer hands-on training in bisulfite conversion, DNA methylation, expression, and epigenetics are preferred.
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But some of our Indian scientists are good with epigenetics.
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Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to find a database with Neisseria sp genomes with methylated adenines.
Could you advise my something?
Thank you.
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Hi Boris.
Did you check the ng-mast or pubmlst for the NG genome?
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Standard plasmids degrade, but episomes do not. Why?
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An episome is an integrative plasmid. Episomes replicate together with the rest of the genome and subsequently associate with metaphase chromosomes during mitosis. The integration into the genome allows stable maintenance of the episomal DNA over several generations. As an example, DNA in some viruses such as herpesviruses, adenoviruses, and polyomaviruses serve as episomes.
Examples of episomes include insertion sequences and transposons. Viruses are an ideal example of an episome. Viruses that integrate their genetic material into the host chromosome enable the viral nucleic acid to be produced along with the host genetic material in a non-destructive manner.
Another example of an episome is the F factor. The F factor determines whether genetic material in the chromosome of one organism is transferred into another organism.
Best.
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I want to publish an article on "Behavioral Epigenetics" in a Journal without APC. If anyone can give me any suggestion, that would be very helpful.
Thank you in advance.
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Not sure if there are any journals without an APC. You can consider Preprint servers including biorxiv, medrxiv, etc.
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I'd like to know the different type of post translational modifications that occur in a mammalian cell ?
Few examples from my side are :
  1. Glycosylation.
  2. Phosphorylation.
  3. Ubiquitination
  4. Epigenetic modifications.
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Besides your examples, I would like to add a few more.
Succinylation, malonylation, Sumoylation, S-nitrosylation, Amidation, Hydroxylation, Palmitoylation, Glutarylation, Crotonylation, Sulfation, Formylation, Myristoylation, Glutathionylation.
Please refer to the article below for more information.
Best.
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In case of transcription factors in Cut&Tag (cut and tag), is there any way if a particular antibody works or not before going for sequencing. Has anyone tried qPCR after library preparation? What antibodies did you validate for Cut&Tag (cut and tag) in your experiments?
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My work is with highly plastic eukaryote taxa, with real time visible structural variation on individuals. I suspect they have high epigenetic fluidity while growing, and would like to understand the underlying mechanism(s) that alters epigenetic expression in this group. Methylation studies are what are most easy to study now for epigenetics, and may be of some use. However, methylation studies require existence of a gene map or maps, that this taxon does not have yet, and methylation is only one of many ways that epigenetic expression is impacted. Are there other methods that researchers are using now to get at how cells alter and/or manage epigenetic expression? Please tell me about other approaches, include equipment, supplies and approximate costs if you can. Anything useful on methylation would also be of use. Thank you.
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Publications in Epigenetics wanted
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you can to to the dbEM, a database with tools for analyzing data, and also with a list of selected publications in the "information" tab (http://crdd.osdd.net/raghava/dbem/)
all the best
fred
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Antibody recommendations
Can anyone recommend a Myc-tag antibody that works well in ChIP or ChIP-seq for detection of a tagged TF?
We have tried to perform ChIP-seq against a Myc-tagged TF of interest [using Cell Signalling 71D10] but have not had success in achieving specific pulldown (ChIP-seq results shows ubiquitous binding across all open chromatin without any correlation to the binding motif of this TF family).
This antibody has not performed well in Western blotting either according to several colleagues who have tried (but then performance of an Ab in a Western is rarely predictive of performance in ChIP/ChIP-seq, anyway).
Any suggestions (preferably with your results attached) would be greatly appreciated so I can try another antibody with a better chance of success!
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Hi, I will also need to do that. Is there any available antibody recommended?Thank you!
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Hi,
I need epigenetic data file run through the hovarth clock. DNA Methylation Age Calulator, but did not find any description how it should be done?
Please can you help me to find link to describe the process of running the data?
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The website can be found here: https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu
Look at the 'TUTORIALonlineCalculator.pdf' file on the page to understand how to submit your data as a CSV file and how to interpret the results.
Alternatively, the R code is available. I think it's linked to in the supplementary data of Horvath's original paper, if I remember correctly.
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Chromatografy is recommended for epigenetic studies with organisms lacking a reference genome
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Waters is one of the most popular
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I wanted to measure methylation of a single gene promoter using DNA extracted from whole blood samples. What would the most cost effective and reliable method be? I have a total of 36 samples. I have come across a handful of ways people quantify methylation, but am unsure which is best for my project.
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Methylation-specific PCR could be a classical & cost-effective method. However, bisulfite conversion and primer design will be important. Pyrosequencing could be also thinkable.
Cheers!!!
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perhaps the most useful aspect of epigenetic processes is that they are readily reversible. Unlike genetic effects that also play a role in cancer and aging, epigenetic aberrations can be relatively easily corrected. One of the most widespread approaches to epigenetic alterations in cancer and ageing is dietary control. now, I would like to know more about the types and mechanisms of that nutrition that have a positive impact on epigenetic alteration during cancer???
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thank you, dear Shin Murakami for your sugession
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what about your think is the best target to analyze the certain genetic effects in human disease?
study the
  • gene sequencing or
  • specific SNP or
  • mRNA or
  • the end product (protein measure) or
  • microRNA or
as I think to measure the protein levels as the end product of all genetic processes from gene transcription to translation take in account the effect of epigenetic at the same time
because it's easy, high accurate, can be recommended as routine work, and more sensitive?
what about your think
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Molecular Genetics is concerned with the molecules that make up genes.... You might study human gene therapy, and investigate such things as the molecular basis of cancer, cell growth and development, and diseases like AIDS. Expect a great deal of research—and a future that promises exciting new discoveries Kaled Nather Taha
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Metabolic rewiring and epigenetic remodeling, which are closely linked and reciprocally regulate each other, are among the well-known cancer hallmarks. Studies have reported use of Onco-metabolites to metabolically reprogram the epigenetic of cancer. I was wondering what might be major limitations of such techniques?
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Hello. This topic is not exactly my field, so I cannot give you a satisfactory answer. I will be happy to follow all the news and discussions in this field.
Regards, Zlata Felc.
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we are going to carry out some epigenetic experimentations. definitely we need to count the cells. however some samples are dried-freeze cell pellet and had reserved in -80 freezer. the question is can we use them for cell counting after that long-term freezing? are they intact? is it authenticated??
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The probability is less that the cells may be intact.
Usually, freeze drying which removes moisture through sublimation, has been used for long-term storage of food and drugs.
Freeze-drying of cells, is done less frequently due to difficulties to load cells with lyoprotectants. Bacteria and yeast are inherently more resistant towards drying stress and by washing the cells with cryoprotectant before lyophilization helps. Moreover, these cells synthesize lyoprotectants upon exposure to stress and can be freeze-dried, while resuming metabolism upon rehydration.
However, mammalian cells typically do not survive freeze drying. I suppose these cumulus cells won’t be intact for cell counting.
Best.
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Plant research (Genomics, epigenetic, proteomics)
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@Desirée
Please specify from which origin you are going to do RNA sequence? If plant species, you may contact through message .
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Dear PIs,
If you have any projects in the field of molecular biology and/or epigenetics, please let me know
Thanks in advance ☺
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LinkedIn is also an excellent place to search for new jobs/academic positions :) One of the best ways to get a PhD is to search for other positions as well, such as research assistant or academic assistant. If you are able to show what you are capable of before a PhD position is posted, it is more likely that you can get it (if you have good work ethics and show you are capable of the job).
Good luck!
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I am working on cancer genomics. I downloaded TCGA BRCA FPKM data for my analysis. after some preliminary analysis, I categorised 250 samples in total 2 distinct categories. Now I want to analyse and compare their epigenetic and mutation patterns.
After downloading all mutation and epigenetic data from TCGA BRCA, none of the samples from my previous analysis is matching.
Suppose, TCGA-AN-A0AK-01A-21R-A00Z-07 sample is present in my previously downloaded FPKM data.
But TCGA-AN-A0AK-01A-21W-A019-09 is available in the mutation data. Are these ids the same? For FPKM data and mutation data, do the same sample (individual) be represented by different Ids?
Please help me, Thank you in advance.
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Hey,
I recently have a confusion about single cell ATAC-seq integration analysis between samples. I have read many discussions about that issue. So, I summarized them into two solutions as follows:
SOLUTION 1. (data QC ignored here) find the union feature set from different samples -> generate count matrix for each sample -> merge them into one large count matrix -> normalization/Scaling/cell clustering/ cluster annotations……
SOLUTION 2. generate the count matrix for each sample -> normalization/Scaling/cell clustering/ cluster annotations for each sample -> find common features among all samples -> generate count matrix against the selected common features for each sample -> merging data using pipelines, e.g. Signac/Harmony, to perform cell clustering, cluster annotation and other following analysis (which usually with give a new assay for common features).
My questions:
Either one selected, I will have cell clusters now. So the next plan for me is retrieving differential features for each cell type/cluster, which will be the key to the further investigation of biological functions.
Q1. I know that batch effect indeed exists between samples, but for SOLUTION 1, will normalization and scaling for a single large count matrix work for differential enrichment analysis between samples?
Q2. If SOLUTION 1 is not reasonable, SOLUTION 2 will give rise to a new assay only contain the selected common features, based on which the batch effect should be well corrected and the cell might be better clustered. However, how to perform the differential analysis for non-common features in each clusters? (That's to say, will the batch effect correction in the newly integrated assay by SOLUTION 2 will work for total differential feature detection in raw assays at the sample level?)
Thanks and best regards!
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We know that epigenetic factors are denoted by alterations in DNA methylation, histone modification abd transcription of regulatory non coding RNA such as microRNAd but are there additional epigenetic changes that take place that do NOT involve these mechanisms?
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Nucleosome remodeling and X-inactivation/X-upregulation are a few other examples that might influence gene expression. I have recently addressed the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. I'd appreciate your comments.
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I need to know if cells are arresting in S or G2/M phase , some cells are still trying to replicate themselves by mutations or other epigenetic factors because we are giving stress by any drug to stop their growth. Those cells can have the properties to carryout re-replication. If one can look at them through flow cytometry, then how to analyze them. I welcome suggestion from anybody expertise on this field. Please suggest.
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Dear Krushna!
Please You look at following articles:
Cinobufagin Induces Cell Cycle Arrest at the G2/M Phase and Promotes Apoptosis in Malignant Melanoma Cells
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I need to perform immunofluorescence on mouse hematopoietic stem cells. However, I have multiple mice that need to be sampled, and the sampling time span is relatively large. However, I hope to be able to perform immunofluorescence staining at the same time. In addition, for future experiments, so I would like to ask if there is a way to store mouse hematopoietic stem cells because, after the extraction of HSC, mice are dead, therefore I need to store cells for future analysis. Moreover, I will do epigenetics Observation, so it is hoped that the storage method will not affect the internal physiological characteristics of the cell.
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Hanqing Jin Did you read this article?...
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I am currently working on the H3K4me3-related project for gene activation. I am curious about how H3K4me3 is added to the lysine of H3K4. Does H3K4me3 is step by step added by H3K4me1 and H3K4me2? We know H3K4me3 mainly marks the gene promoter and correlates to gene transcription activates. H3K4me1 and H3K4me2 mark both enhancer and promoter and have multiple functions for gene activation according to different complexes. The three histone makers show different patterns but also with some common features. The question is: If the gene is activation and the H3K4me3 is significantly enhanced, does the H3K4me1 and H3K4me2 at the promoter locus need to be reduced? In contrast, for any reason we find the H3K4me1 and H3K4me2 are all reduced, does the H3K4me3 need to be upregulated at the same locus, or does it reasonable? If the H3K4me3 is added from H3K4me2, our observation is something wrong. But if the H3K4me3 can be directly added from H3K4me0, it can explain our result.
Thanks for the help.
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Joshua Beytebiere Thanks Joshua. Very useful information.
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Hello everyone,
I am searching information about increasing yield of secondary metabolites that are heterogeneously produce in S. cerevisiae.
First I transfer several genes into yeast, then I wanna to optimized the yield of these metabolites. I wonder that whether epigenetic modifications play any roles in enhancing the production of these metabolites in the yeast transformants?
Thank you very much!
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Thank you very much for your answer.
What I want to know is when we transfer genes into yeast, and provide it sufficient nutrition. Will my transgenes be controlled by epigenetic regulation?
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We have conducted an experiment on epigenetic allele identification and quantification for some quantitative trait. we are trying to map epigenes using epigenome association mapping (EWAS). Please share related information for better mapping and also share r codes for the same.
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What you need?
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How epigenetic mechanism affects an organism response to environment? If the DNA structure is not changed through epigenetic mechanism, how it could epigenetic said to be heritable?
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That's a very good question! There are so many misconceptions about what epigenetics actually is and what it isn't. Part of the problem arises from the fact that there are as many definitions of epigenetics as people working with it.
Epigenetic mechanisms are considered "heritable" because they are maintained from one cell to another. For example, epithelial cells and hematopoietic cells have different epigenetic patterns. When they divide, epithelial cells give rise to epithelial cells while hematopoietic cells give rise to blood cells. Thus, the epigenetic patterns are maintained or, in other words, inherited from their progenitor cells.
This is possible through the existence of the epigenetic machinery. Specifically, there are several DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) with the ability to transfer methyl groups to the DNA. While some of them are "de novo" DNMTs (DNMT3A and DNMT3B), DNMT1 is a "maintenance" DNMT that binds to hemimethylated DNA sequences so it can methylate replicating DNA.
I hope this helped a bit!
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Hi everyone. I need to read about protocols for preparing tissues before using them to measure epigenetic histone marks. I've been told these may be based on the 'Marburg protocol', however, I have not been able to find much info about this. Would really appreciate any help.
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In my opinion, it is hard to extract all the histones when you using RIPA or another common lysis buffer to get the whole cell lysates, it is likely dependent on the chromatin status. For example, when you treat the cells with DNA damage reagents,  the chromatin becomes loose and you may get more total histones using RIPA buffer. 
So I recommend you to use an acid extraction method to get the histones.
Good luck
HISTONE EXTRACTION PROTOCOL
1. Harvest cells and wash twice with ice-cold PBS. PBS can be supplemented with 5mM Sodium Butyrate to
retain levels of histone acetylation.
2. Resuspend cells in Triton Extraction Buffer (TEB: PBS containing 0.5% Triton X 100 (v/v), 2mM
phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), 0.02% (w/v) NaN3) at a cell density of 107 cells per ml.
3. Lyse cells on ice for 10 minutes with gentle stirring.
4. Centrifuge at 2000rpm for 10 minutes at 4°C. Remove and discard the supernatant.
5. Wash the cells in half the volume of TEB and centrifuge at before.
6. Resuspend the pellet in 0.2N HCl at a cell density of 4x107cells per ml.
7. Acid extract the histones overnight at 4°C.
8. Centrifuge samples at 2000rpm for 10 minutes at 4°C.
9. Removed the supernatant and determine protein content using the Bradford assay.
10. Store aliquots at -20°C.
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Mains functions are emotion, behavior, long-term memory.The limbic system operates by influencing the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system.Usually affect depressed . I want to reflect on US elections, Capital rival, as other national problems. Because Im aware of reppetions behaviour from thought that create need for emotional stimuli. Should we all first analyse our political( emotional cognitions) before voting? Whats your thoughts on Epigenetics?
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I suppose the frontal lobe is more important but some decisions are connected to the limbic system.
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Hi, I have a question if anyone can answer. I have identified two co-factors for my transcription factor. But the mass spec data seems insignificant. Now I want to find if some other co-factors are involved in regulating my transcription factor? So, how can I do this? Should I cut my gel band at different molecular weight or should I go for ChIP-seq to determine their binding complex?
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Do you have any idea what these other co-factors might be? if not ChIP-seq would not really be possible if you don't know the protein of interest for the cofactor. At that point I would think about trying other methods.
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I am interested in finding research that evaluates the combined impact of epigenetic factors, prenatal development (for example hormone imbalance) and childhood trauma (such as an impaired attachment bond with one or both parents) in determining sexual orientation.
Thank you!
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where morphological differences have been described?  Even if we could get enough tissue samples from homosexuals and heterosexuals, their epigenetic imprints may be very individualized, i.e. we have no normalized controls. 
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Conventional Darwinian evolution is based on random mutations causing adaptive change. In contrast to that, evolution due to epigenetic inheritance offers the opportunity to trace the causal relationships, particularly when seen from the cellular-molecular level. Using this approach, the exaptive changes in adaptation to gas exchange from the lung alveolus to the unicellular have been traced (Torday JS, Rehan VK. The evolutionary continuum from lung development to homeostasis and repair. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2007 Mar;292(3):L608-11; Torday and Rehan. Evolution, the Logic of Biology. Wiley, Hoboken, 2017) with gaps along the way due to the novelty of this approach. However, such gaps could be filled, and other physiologic traits could similarly be elucidated, leading to a new way of understanding physiologic evolution independent of function, particularly as it relates to dysfunction in disease.
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Dear João Paulo Martins de Castro Chaib, thank you for your comment. However, Darwinian evolution is comprised of untestable/unrefutable metaphors like 'descent with modification', 'survival of the fittest' and 'natural selection'. I fully agree with these principles, but without identifying the causal mechanisms involved you can't do hypothesis testing experimentation. And since Medicine is based on 'evidence', it makes the practice of Evolutionary Medicine a myth, even though I think it is the correct basis for practicing healthcare- Health is still defined as the absence of disease, whereas the practice of medicine is not a 'binary', it is a continuum, and evolution is the only way to determine that continuum as 'all of biology' (Dobzhansky) in order to practice true Preventive Medicine.
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Hello all. I am trying to isolate buffy coat from whole blood (sodium citrate), and planning on cyropreserving it for later analysis (~3-5 years). As to what analysis would include, we are leaving it as open ended as we can, but mostly am thinking of extracting DNA (Qiagen or home extraction) and looking at epigenetics.
What freezing media is typically used for this type of storage? Would a standard 90% PBS and 10% DMSO work, and what are the drawbacks.
Additionally, I read about the potentiality of platelets clumping and potentially interfering with the sample. Does anyone have any advice on purifying platelets from the buffy coat on that end? Thank you all very much.
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firstly, to minimize the platelet contamination from PBMCsw, best way is multiple washing with PBS at low speed for longer time.
And to cryo-preserve buffy coat, you should use 90%FBS+10% DMSO, but if you only going to extract nucleic acid from cells, Using 90% Complete medium (90% RPMI + 10% FBS) with 10% DMSO may also work.
Few people use lower concentration of DMSO as, DMSO hinders in the downstreaming process (DMSO is know inhibitor of PCR). SO, you may use as low as 7% DMSO.
All the best.
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Beryllium is exceedingly toxic and known to interfere with Human enzymes.
Analysts have developed techniques to measure Beryllium in parts per Quadrillion.
Beryllium is present in Fluoride industrial waste dumped into drinking water supplies in Australia, measured by one supplier to be 95 gram per tonne (see attached analysis).
I wonder if anyone has studied the concentration of Beryllium in drinking water, its absorbed dose range and risk factors for various diseases, including cancers, as a result of this "Fluoridation" waste disposal? What are the effects on the Human foetus?
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Dear Prof.Geoff.,
It's a nice discussion. I have never heard that the effects of Berrylium at a certain dose can cause a lethal effect on human health and containing some carcinogenic effects upon the human cells.
Beryllium has some useful but undoubtedly harmful effects on health and well-being. Measures need to be taken to prevent hazardous exposure to this element, making its biological monitoring in the workplace essential.
Regards,<