Epigenetic Research Papers 10/28/24 - 11/1/24

Rahman MM et. al. (October 2024).  dCas9-HDAC8-EGFP fusion enables epigenetic editing of breast cancer cells by H3K9 deacetylation Eur J Cell Biol. 103(4):151463.
This study investigates the use of a dCas9-HDAC8-EGFP fusion system to perform targeted histone H3K9 deacetylation in breast cancer cells. By focusing on the promoters of ESR1, TERT, and CDKN1C genes in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, researchers achieved significant gene downregulation by depleting H3K9ac levels at specific loci. The system also altered estrogen receptor expression and impacted the cells' response to estradiol and tamoxifen, showcasing dCas9-HDAC8-EGFP as a novel approach for gene regulation in cancer cells through epigenetic editing.
Products Used: EpiNext CUT&RUN Fast Kit, EpiQuik Quantitative PCR Fast Kit

Kalahasthi R et. al. (October 2024). Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy and Clinical Utility of DNA Methylation (5-mC) in Detecting Severity of Occupational Lead Exposure Indian J Clin Biochem. 39(4):572-578.
This study examines DNA methylation (5-mC) as a biomarker for detecting the severity of occupational lead exposure. Workers were grouped by blood lead levels, with 5-mC levels significantly lower in moderate and high exposure groups. The diagnostic accuracy was highest in the high-exposure group, making 5-mC a potential predictive marker for severe lead exposure.
Products Used: MethylFlash Global DNA Methylation (5-mC) ELISA Easy Kit (Colorimetric)

Nie Q et. al. (October 2024). Identification of sequence polymorphism in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA as a risk factor for breast cancer Cancer Sci.
This study explores the association between sequence polymorphisms in the mitochondrial DNA D-loop region and breast cancer risk in Chinese women. Analysis of mtDNA from 2,329 breast cancer patients and 2,328 controls revealed that SNP573 significantly correlates with breast cancer risk and elevated oxidative stress, measured by 8-OHdG levels. Incorporating these susceptibility variants into traditional risk models slightly improved predictive accuracy, suggesting that D-loop polymorphisms may contribute to breast cancer risk in this population.
Products Used: EpiQuik 8-OHdG DNA Damage Quantification Direct Kit (Colorimetric)

Qin C et. al. (October 2024). ALKBH5 modulation of ferroptosis in recurrent miscarriage: implications in cytotrophoblast dysfunction Qin C et. al. (October 2024).
This study investigates the role of ALKBH5, an RNA demethylase, in modulating ferroptosis in cytotrophoblasts and its implications in recurrent miscarriage (RM). Researchers found that m6A RNA modification levels were reduced in RM patients, while ALKBH5 expression was elevated. Overexpression of ALKBH5 in vitro reduced ferroptosis-induced cell death by regulating ferritin light chain (FTL) expression. These findings suggest that ALKBH5 plays a critical role in preventing ferroptosis-related cytotrophoblast dysfunction in RM and could contribute to the epigenetic basis of the disease.
Products Used: EpiQuik m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)

Shimoda Y et. al. (October 2024). Residual pattern of the hyperintense area on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging after initial treatment predicts the pattern and location of recurrence in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma World Neurosurg.
This study found that residual hyperintense areas on T2-weighted MRI after initial glioblastoma treatment predict local recurrence, while patients without these areas are more likely to experience distant recurrences. Though not linked to survival outcomes, the findings highlight the importance of tailored monitoring based on MRI results.
Products Used: Methylamp 96 DNA Modification Kit

Li W et. al. (October 2024). Lactylation of RNA m6A demethylase ALKBH5 promotes innate immune response to DNA herpesviruses and mpox virus Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 121(43):e2409132121.
This study reveals that ALKBH5, an RNA m6A demethylase, undergoes lactylation, a modification that enhances the innate immune response to DNA herpesviruses and mpox virus. Lactylation, regulated by increased interaction with acetyltransferase ESCO2 and reduced interaction with deacetylase SIRT6 during viral infections, promotes interferon-beta (IFN-β) mRNA biogenesis by demethylating its m6A modifications. This process limits viral replication, providing new insights into antiviral immunity and potential therapeutic targets for infections like HSV-1, KSHV, and MPXV.
Products Used: EpiQuik Nuclear Extraction Kit

Liu C et. al. (October 2024). GLP-1R activation attenuates the progression of pulmonary fibrosis via disrupting NLRP3 inflammasome/PFKFB3-driven glycolysis interaction and histone lactylation J Transl Med. 22(1):954.
This study shows that activating the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) with liraglutide reduces pulmonary fibrosis progression. In a silica-induced mouse model and lung fibroblast cultures, GLP-1R activation disrupted the NLRP3 inflammasome and PFKFB3-driven glycolysis, lowering lactate production and preventing histone lactylation. This mechanism reduced pro-fibrotic gene expression and oxidative stress. The results suggest GLP-1R as a promising therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.
Products Used: EpiQuik Total Histone Extraction Kit

Li L et. al. (October 2024). The deficiency of ALKBH5 contributes to hepatic lipid deposition by impairing VPS11-dependent autophagic flux FEBS J.
This study reveals that a deficiency of ALKBH5 contributes to hepatic lipid deposition, a key factor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), by impairing autophagic flux. ALKBH5, downregulated in fatty livers, reduces lipid accumulation by promoting the removal of m6A modifications on VPS11 mRNA, enhancing autophagy. In contrast, ALKBH5 knockdown impairs autophagic flux, worsening lipid buildup. These findings highlight ALKBH5 as a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD.
Products Used: EpiQuik CUT&RUN m6A RNA Enrichment (MeRIP) Kit