New research has helped to clear up the function of a well-known tumor suppressor gene, RB, which prevents aberrant cell growth. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona have found that pRb, or retinoblastoma protein, is a tumor suppressing protein encoded by RB that maintains proper functioning of … Continue reading Targeting Epigenetics and Metabolism to Prevent Cancer Growth
The Epigenetics Behind Unique Human Faces
Here’s a strange question many people probably have not given much thought to: why are our faces shaped the way they are? We know that no two faces are perfectly alike, but why exactly might one person have a long nose and another a small forehead? How is it that our earlobes are attached to … Continue reading The Epigenetics Behind Unique Human Faces
Pandemic-Related Lifestyle Changes Could Affect the Epigenetic Regulation of Your Skin
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire world, and many countries have been devastated by the fallout. As this virus swept the world, it has not only changed many aspects of the global economy but also has transformed the way we live our everyday lives. The skin is one of the major body parts that have been impacted by the … Continue reading Pandemic-Related Lifestyle Changes Could Affect the Epigenetic Regulation of Your Skin
Low-Cal Diet Could Change Epigenetic Patterns in Obesity-Related Disease
Obesity is a disease characterized by excessive body fat. It can be caused by environment, a person’s early-life nutrition, and it can even be a result of their parent’s diet. Obesity is so dangerous because associated with many diseases such as hypertension, type-2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. How does extra weight cause so many different problems? Many studies … Continue reading Low-Cal Diet Could Change Epigenetic Patterns in Obesity-Related Disease
Gauge Your Age: Epigenetics and the Future of Medicine
Why do some people stay healthy throughout their lives and others don’t? While we all age, we don’t all age in the same ways or at the same rate. Epigenetic modifications are largely responsible for this phenomenon, with DNA methylation being the most studied modification. An Epigenetic Clock is a sophisticated way of tracking our “real” age by measuring methylation or demethylation at particular DNA … Continue reading Gauge Your Age: Epigenetics and the Future of Medicine
Epigenetics Could Explain Why COVID-19 Affects People Differently
The COVID-19 pandemic spread around the globe in a matter of months, leaving devastating human health and economic consequences in its wake. From a viral point of view, this incredible success is the result of a careful balance between its deadliness and contagiousness.While the number of deaths is nearing the 300,000 mark as of May … Continue reading Epigenetics Could Explain Why COVID-19 Affects People Differently
Excess Stress Changes Marks on DNA and Could Epigenetically Harm Mental Health
An excess amount of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body could impact epigenetic processes and boost one’s risk of experiencing psychological issues in the long run, reports a new study in Scientific Reports. People with anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression and other stress-related disorders could be adjusting chemical tags on their DNA as a result of high … Continue reading Excess Stress Changes Marks on DNA and Could Epigenetically Harm Mental Health
A Heart Attack May Leave Long-Lasting Epigenetic Marks on DNA
A heart attack could leave behind more than just physical damage, according to a new study. Suffering from myocardial infarction, or a heart attack, may lead to the storage of epigenetic marks on certain genes. Researchers from Uppsala University reported in Human Molecular Genetics that an epigenetic “memory” of a heart attack may stick around on DNA … Continue reading A Heart Attack May Leave Long-Lasting Epigenetic Marks on DNA
Researchers Combine Epigenetics and Brain Imaging to Help Combat PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or intensely stressful event. PTSD can exert an enormous toll on an individual’s life, affecting their daily activities and relationships. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 or 8 of every 100 people will experience … Continue reading Researchers Combine Epigenetics and Brain Imaging to Help Combat PTSD
High Sugar Diet May Epigenetically Affect Sperm Quality
Obesity continues to be a rising problem in the US. It can result in a number of negative health effects that can shorten life expectancy like diabetes, hypertension, and can even alter the functionality of sperm in men. With fertility levels in recent decline for both women and men it’s important to understand all factors that contribute to healthy reproduction. … Continue reading High Sugar Diet May Epigenetically Affect Sperm Quality
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 