Epigenetic Research Papers 11/11/24 - 11/15/24

Pandya RK et. al. (December 2024). Global DNA methylation level in spermatozoa is not associated with ICSI fertilization outcome and embryo quality in donor oocyte programme Hum Fertil (Camb). 27(1):2421191.
Researchers examined if sperm global DNA methylation affects embryo quality and ICSI fertilization outcomes. Despite lower methylation in abnormal samples, no link was found between methylation levels and embryo development, suggesting global DNA methylation is not a reliable biomarker for embryo quality in assisted reproduction.
Products Used: MethylFlash Methylated DNA 5-mC Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)

Chung PH et. al. (November 2024). Enhancing intrinsic TGF-β signaling via heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan regulation to promote mesenchymal stem cell capabilities and chondrogenesis for cartilage repair Int J Biol Macromol. :137242.
Researchers explored a novel approach for cartilage repair by enhancing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) capabilities through Heparinase III treatment, which targets heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (HS-GAGs). This treatment promoted chondrogenesis in MSCs, boosting cell aggregation, type II collagen production, and intrinsic TGF-β signaling, while also improving self-renewal and immunosuppressive properties. The study suggests that HepIII-treated MSCs, combined with biopolymer gels, offer a cost-effective and promising solution for osteoarthritis cartilage repair.
Products Used: MethylFlash Methylated DNA 5-mC Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)

Li Y et. al. (November 2024). HSYA ameliorates venous thromboembolism by depleting the formation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway-dependent neutrophil extracellular traps Int Immunopharmacol. 143(Pt 3):113534.
Researchers investigated the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in venous thromboembolism (VTE) and assessed the therapeutic effects of hydroxyl safflower yellow pigment A (HSYA). They found that NETs contribute to VTE by damaging endothelial cells, promoting cell death, and activating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, which leads to increased thrombus formation. HSYA treatment effectively reduced NETs, protected endothelial cells from ferroptosis, and inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, suggesting a promising strategy for VTE treatment.
Products Used: EpiQuik m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)

Liu W et. al. (October 2024).  Regulation of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis by pparγ m6a methylation: mechanisms and therapeutic implications Biol Direct. 19(1):99.
Researchers examined how m6A methylation of PPARγ influences renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and ferroptosis in kidney tubular cells. They found that METTL14-mediated m6A methylation, facilitated by IGF2BP2, regulates PPARγ expression and mitigates kidney damage. Treatment with the PPARγ activator Rosiglitazone reduced injury and ferroptosis in tubular cells, suggesting that targeting this methylation pathway may offer a novel approach for treating acute kidney injury.
Products Used: EpiQuik m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)

Zhou M et. al. (October 2024). METTL14-mediated m6A modification upregulated SOCS3 expression alleviates thyroid cancer progression by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway Mol Cell Probes. 78:101987.
Researchers explored the role of METTL14-mediated m6A modification in thyroid cancer (TC) and its impact on tumor progression. They discovered that METTL14 is downregulated in TC cells, and its upregulation promotes cancer cell apoptosis while inhibiting proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumor growth. METTL14 achieves this by enhancing SOCS3 expression via m6A modification, which in turn suppresses the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. These findings highlight the METTL14/m6A/SOCS3/JAK2/STAT3 axis as a promising therapeutic target for limiting TC progression.
Products Used: EpiQuik m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)

Fan W et. al. (October 2024). Tet2 modulates M2 macrophage polarization via mRNA 5-methylcytosine in allergic rhinitis Int Immunopharmacol. 143(Pt 3):113495.
Researchers found that Tet2 regulates M2 macrophage activity in allergic rhinitis (AR) by controlling mRNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) levels. Tet2 deficiency increased M2 polarization by reducing m5C demethylation of key genes, worsening AR symptoms. This suggests targeting Tet2 could offer a new strategy for AR treatment by modulating immune responses at the RNA level.
Products Used: MethylFlash 5-mC RNA Methylation ELISA Easy Kit (Fluorometric)

Vallabh NA et. al. (November 2024). Massively parallel sequencing of mitochondrial genome in primary open angle glaucoma identifies somatically acquired mitochondrial mutations in ocular tissue Sci Rep. 14(1):26324.
Researchers discovered somatic mitochondrial mutations in ocular tissue from primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients using massively parallel sequencing. Pathogenic mutations were more prevalent in Tenon's ocular fibroblasts than in peripheral blood, suggesting mtDNA replication errors play a key role in glaucoma development. These findings support somatic mitochondrial mutations as a factor in POAG pathogenesis.
Products Used: EpiQuik 8-OHdG DNA Damage Quantification Direct Kit (Colorimetric)

Zhou Z et. al. (October 2024). Ethylamine, beyond the synthetic precursor of theanine: CsCBF4-CsAlaDC module promoted ethylamine synthesis to enhance osmotic tolerance in tea plants Plant J.
Researchers uncovered the role of ethylamine (EA) in enhancing osmotic tolerance in tea plants. Beyond its involvement in theanine synthesis, EA acts as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, protecting tea plants from osmotic stress. The CsCBF4-CsAlaDC regulatory module was identified, with CsCBF4 promoting CsAlaDC expression and EA synthesis, which helps maintain ROS balance. Silencing CsCBF4 or CsAlaDC disrupted this pathway, leading to increased ROS and osmotic sensitivity. These findings highlight the importance of EA in osmotic stress tolerance in tea plants.
Products Used: EpiQuik Plant ChIP Kit