Epi genetics
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "epi genetics"
Understanding Epigenetics: Insights from Recent Research
Epigenetics and Wilms Tumor Predisposition
Genetic and Epigenetic Factors in Wilms Tumor
Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of (epi)genetic factors in the predisposition to Wilms tumor (WT). A comprehensive analysis of a 5-year cohort of children diagnosed with WT in the Netherlands revealed that (epi)genetic predisposing factors were present in 33.3% of the patients. These factors included constitutional heterozygous DIS3L2 variants, Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp) features, and chromosome 11p15 methylation defects1. This underscores the importance of genetic counseling and testing for all children diagnosed with WT to identify potential predisposing factors and guide appropriate clinical management.
Epigenetics in Ecotoxicology
Environmental Influences on Epigenetic Marks
Epigenetics explores how environmental factors influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. This field has profound implications for ecotoxicology, as it suggests that environmental exposures can lead to heritable changes in gene expression. For instance, early life experiences such as nutrition and parental care can result in epigenetic modifications that affect an individual's health later in life and can even be passed on to future generations2. This understanding challenges the traditional view of DNA as the sole determinant of heredity and highlights the complex interplay between genes and the environment.
Epigenetic Mechanisms in Anxiety Disorders
Genetic and Epigenetic Variations in Anxiety
Research into the (epi)genetics of anxiety has identified several genes associated with anxiety-related phenotypes. Notably, variations in the NPSR1, OXTR, and CRHR1 genes have been linked to panic disorder and social anxiety disorder (SAD), particularly in women. These genetic and epigenetic variations interact with environmental factors to influence anxiety traits and treatment responses3. This multi-level approach to understanding anxiety disorders emphasizes the need for further studies to replicate findings and integrate various biological and environmental factors.
Epigenetic Inheritance and Histone Modifications
Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance
Epigenetic inheritance involves the transmission of information beyond the DNA sequence, often through histone modifications. Despite the recognized importance of histones in carrying epigenetic information, the molecular mechanisms underlying their inheritance remain poorly understood. Recent progress in this area suggests potential models for the mitotic inheritance of histone modifications, which could provide insights into how epigenetic information is maintained across cell divisions5.
Epigenetic Instability in Stem Cells
Culture-Induced Epigenetic Alterations
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are prone to (epi)genetic instability during in vitro culture. This instability can lead to the overgrowth of abnormal, culture-adapted cells with potential (pre)malignant transformations. Given the high degree of (epi)genetic alterations observed, it is crucial to control for the (epi)genetic integrity of hPSCs before any clinical application to ensure safety and efficacy9.
Epigenetics in Osteoarthritis
Epigenetic Contributions to Osteoarthritis
In the field of osteoarthritis (OA), recent research has focused on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the disease. Genome-wide screens have identified several microRNAs (miRNAs) and methylation patterns that play roles in cartilage homeostasis and the OA process. These findings highlight potential novel pathways involved in cartilage biology and suggest that epigenetic modifications could be targeted for therapeutic interventions10.
Conclusion
The field of epigenetics is rapidly evolving, providing new insights into how genetic and environmental factors interact to influence health and disease. From understanding the predisposition to Wilms tumor and anxiety disorders to exploring the implications of epigenetic inheritance and instability in stem cells, recent research underscores the complexity and significance of epigenetic mechanisms. Continued studies in this area hold promise for developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies across various medical fields.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Prevalence of (Epi)genetic Predisposing Factors in a 5-Year Unselected National Wilms Tumor Cohort: A Comprehensive Clinical and Genomic Characterization
Epigenetic factors, such as mosaic aberrations and recurrent heterozygous DIS3L2 variants, are present in at least 33.3% of children with Wilms tumor.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalEpigenetics for ecotoxicologists
Epigenetics reveals that early life experiences, such as parental care or nutrition, can influence gene expression and susceptibility to chronic diseases in adulthood.
Highly CitedNovel developments in genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of anxiety
Genetic and epigenetic risk markers have been identified for anxiety-related disorders, with potential implications for disease course and treatment response predictions.
Systematic ReviewGenetic analysis of epidermin biosynthetic genes and epidermin-negative mutants of Staphylococcus epidermidis.
The genetic information for epidermin biosynthesis in Staphylococcus epidermidis is located on an 8-kb DNA fragment of pTu32, with epiA, B, C, D, Q, and P potentially playing host-encoded roles.
Highly CitedEpigenetic inheritance: Uncontested?
Recent progress suggests that histone modifications-based epigenetic information can be inherited through mitosis, with potential models for mitotic inheritance of histone modifications-based epigenetic information.
Highly CitedEpi-Gene: An R-Package for Easy Pan-Genome Analysis
Epi-gene is an R-package that simplifies pan-genome analysis by reducing time and memory consumption, while maintaining high-quality results.
Rigorous JournalDeep learning of the splicing (epi)genetic code reveals a novel candidate mechanism linking histone modifications to ESC fate decision
DeepCode, a deep learning model for splicing patterns, reveals a novel mechanism linking histone modifications to embryonic stem cell fate decision, offering potential applications in various biological fields.
Silver-Russell and Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndromes: Opposite (Epi)Mutations in 11p15 Result in Opposite Clinical Pictures
Silver-Russell syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome are genetically and clinically opposite disorders involving opposite (epi)mutations in 11p15, offering insights into the complex basis of human growth.
Genetic and epigenetic instability in human pluripotent stem cells.
Human pluripotent stem cells are prone to (epi)genetic instability during in vitro culture, potentially leading to (pre)malignant transformation and decreased differentiation.
Systematic ReviewOsteoarthritis year in review 2016: genetics, genomics and epigenetics.
Last year saw a modest number of genetic loci associated with osteoarthritis, and a number of microRNAs identified potentially playing important roles in cartilage homeostasis and OA process.
Systematic ReviewRigorous Journal