Imagine if increasing a certain type of epigenetic enzyme could ease anxiety or cure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by simply erasing troubling memories? What if it could also enhance cognitive abilities and improve long-term memory and learning? In previous blog articles, researchers found that an immune-suppressing drug that inhibits HDACs could stop aversive memories and the epigenetic … Continue reading DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT) Could Help Boost Memory and Reduce Anxiety
“I Am No Longer Haunted By That Awful Memory” – New Epigenetic Drug Treatment May Erase Painful Memories
Is it possible for a drug to dampen a traumatic memory? It may be, as researchers are discovering that a fundamental epigenetic mechanism is responsible for long-term fear memory. Neuroplasticity, also called brain plasticity, refers to the changes in neural connections such as synapses and neural pathways as a result of changes in behavior, environmental … Continue reading “I Am No Longer Haunted By That Awful Memory” – New Epigenetic Drug Treatment May Erase Painful Memories
Do We Already Have A Drug That Could Epigenetically Erase Traumatic Memories?
Scientists at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine discovered that the drug fingolimod, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), could potentially benefit individuals who wish to get rid of painful and traumatic memories. While MS is still not entirely understood, the disease involves a process that is immune-mediated in which the immune … Continue reading Do We Already Have A Drug That Could Epigenetically Erase Traumatic Memories?
Insight Into the Inheritance of Epigenetic Marks
An individual’s DNA contains the sequence of nucleotide bases that provide instructions for how every cell in their body is to develop and differentiate. When DNA is read, its instructions are followed to guide the development of cells, allowing genes to be “expressed”. Scientists are actively working to map out the cellular signaling pathways that determine … Continue reading Insight Into the Inheritance of Epigenetic Marks
Histone Modifications Reveal Further Insight into the Process of Aging
Epigenetic research on the potential molecular causes of aging has piqued the curiosity of many people who want to know if it’s possible to slow aging or, perhaps, stop it altogether. The process of aging comes along with physiological changes that decrease the body’s ability to repair tissue and increase vulnerability to metabolic diseases. Overall, … Continue reading Histone Modifications Reveal Further Insight into the Process of Aging
Jumping Enzyme Discovered in Nucleus Influences Epigenetic Regulation
A study led by a team of researchers at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta sheds light on a new, interesting way metabolism is connected to DNA regulation. The discovery may add an important piece to the puzzle in scientists’ quest to understand diseases and their epigenetic basis. One such … Continue reading Jumping Enzyme Discovered in Nucleus Influences Epigenetic Regulation
DNA Methylation, Melting DNA, and Twins: Advancing Forensic Investigations
DNA profiling, also known as genetic fingerprinting has been crucial to the forensic investigation of crime scenes since the 1980s. Although important to the success of many cases, this technique comes with some limitations, particularly when investigators are trying to match DNA evidence to a twin. Using this method, it is difficult to conclusively determine … Continue reading DNA Methylation, Melting DNA, and Twins: Advancing Forensic Investigations
DNA Methylation Solves Crimes
In an episode of the popular procedural drama Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, entitled ‘Perverted’, the show’s protagonist, Detective Olivia Benson, was accused of murder after her DNA was found to match DNA isolated from blood recovered from the murder weapon. Without alibi, Detective Benson was arrested, her reputation in jeopardy. As her colleagues worked … Continue reading DNA Methylation Solves Crimes
Being Overweight Adds Distinct Epigenetic Marks to DNA
Extra weight that you may have put on during the holidays could not only appear around your belly, but also add epigenetic tags to your DNA, suggests a new study. Having a high body mass index (BMI) was linked to additional methyl tags found at more than 200 areas on the genome, which affects gene expression and … Continue reading Being Overweight Adds Distinct Epigenetic Marks to DNA
DNA Methylation Could Explain How People Respond to Fear and Anger
A region of the brain known as the amygdala is normally activated when people perceive fear and anger in others. This region, which is part of the limbic system, conveys the message to other regions of the brain to prepare oneself for what may be a threatening situation. We’ve seen previous research that offers an epigenetic … Continue reading DNA Methylation Could Explain How People Respond to Fear and Anger
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 