Epigenetic Research Papers 8/5/24 - 8/9/24

Gan Y et. al. (July 2024). The Role of Oxidative Stress and DNA Hydroxymethylation in the Pathogenesis of Benzo[a]pyrene-Impaired Reproductive Function in Male Mice Environ Toxicol.
This study examines the role of oxidative stress and DNA hydroxymethylation in the reproductive toxicity caused by Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in male mice. BALB/c mice were administered varying doses of BaP, resulting in significant testis damage, increased teratosperm rates, and reduced sperm count and motility. BaP exposure upregulated oxidative stress markers (HO-1, MDA) and downregulated antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GSH). Additionally, BaP increased DNA hydroxymethylation and decreased methylation in testis tissues. These findings suggest that oxidative stress and altered DNA hydroxymethylation contribute to BaP-induced male infertility.
Products Used: MethylFlash Methylated DNA 5-mC Quantification Kit (Colorimetric), MethylFlash Hydroxymethylated DNA 5-hmC Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)

Chen H et. al. (July 2024). Transgenerational reproductive toxicity induced by carboxyl and amino charged microplastics at environmental concentrations in Caenorhabditis elegans: Involvement of histone methylation Sci Total Environ. 949:175132.
This study investigates the transgenerational reproductive toxicity of charged microplastics in Caenorhabditis elegans. Parental exposure to amino-modified polystyrene (PS-NH2) at 10-100 μg/L caused significant reproductive harm across generations, linked to increased histone modifications and upregulation of set-30 and met-2 genes. The absence of effects in set-30 and met-2 mutants underscores their role in this toxicity. This research highlights the environmental risks of charged microplastics.
Products Used: EpiQuik Total Histone Extraction Kit

Angelin M et. al. (July 2024). Global DNA and RNA Methylation Signature in Response to Antipsychotic Treatment in First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 20:1435-1444.
This study explores the global DNA and RNA methylation changes in response to antipsychotic treatment in first-episode schizophrenia patients. The methylation patterns of 5mC and 5hmC were significantly increased in patients compared to controls, with higher levels observed in treatment non-responders. No significant changes were found for 5fC and m6A levels. These findings suggest that 5mC and 5hmC may play roles in schizophrenia pathology and treatment response, highlighting the potential of these epigenetic marks as biomarkers for schizophrenia and antipsychotic treatment efficacy.
Products Used: MethylFlash Hydroxymethylated DNA 5-hmC Quantification Kit (Colorimetric)

Flynn JK et. al. (July 2024). Translocating bacteria in SIV infection are not stochastic and preferentially express cytosine methyltransferases Mucosal Immunol.
This study identifies cytosine methyltransferases as common in translocating bacteria from SIV-infected rhesus macaques. In vitro, decitabine, an inhibitor of these enzymes, reduced bacterial growth. Oral decitabine treatment in macaques caused transient decreases in translocating bacteria. These results suggest cytosine methyltransferases drive bacterial translocation and propose a potential therapeutic strategy for HIV.
Products Used: MethylFlash Global DNA Methylation (5-mC) ELISA Easy Kit (Colorimetric)

Fesneau O et. al. (July 2024). An intestinal TH17 cell-derived subset can initiate cancer Nat Immunol.
This study investigates an intestinal T cell subset derived from IL-17-producing TH17 cells that can initiate cancer by transforming the intestinal epithelium. The tumorigenic potential of this subset relies on transcription factors KLF6 and T-BET, and interferon-γ, rather than IL-17. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) from epithelial cells inhibits the progression of these cells to a cancerous state by blocking KLF6-dependent T-BET expression. The research identifies this specific T cell subset as a key player in cancer initiation and highlights the regulatory role of TGFβ1.
Products Used: EpiQuik Chromatin Accessibility Assay Kit

Zhang Z et. al. (July 2024).  A viroid-derived small interfering RNA targets bHLH transcription factor MdPIF1 to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in Malus domestica Plant Cell Environ.
This study explores how a viroid-derived small interfering RNA (vsiR693) regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in apples by targeting the bHLH transcription factor MdPIF1. vsiR693 directly cleaves MdPIF1 mRNA, which normally promotes anthocyanin production by binding to the promoters of key biosynthetic genes. The expression of vsiR693 inhibits anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple calli and fruits, and a mutated viroid failed to repress fruit coloration. These findings reveal that vsiR693 modulates fruit color by targeting MdPIF1 and affecting anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Products Used: EpiQuik Plant ChIP Kit

Ma L et. al. (July 2024). JA/ethylene and NaWRKY6/3 regulated Alternaria resistance depends on ethylene response factor 1B-like in wild tobacco J Exp Bot.
This study investigates how jasmonate (JA), ethylene (ET), and NaWRKY6/3 regulate Alternaria resistance in wild tobacco via ethylene response factor 1B-like (NaERF1B-L). NaERF1B-L controls phytoalexin biosynthesis by integrating JA/ET signals and is activated by NaWRKY6 and NaWRKY3. This regulation enhances resistance to Alternaria alternata by modulating key biosynthetic genes.
Products Used: EpiQuik Plant ChIP Kit

Liu N et. al. (July 2024). LncRNA CARMN m6A demethylation by ALKBH5 inhibits mutant p53-driven tumour progression through miR-5683/FGF2 Clin Transl Med. 14(7):e1777.
This study examines how m6A demethylation of lncRNA CARMN by ALKBH5 inhibits mutant p53-driven colorectal cancer progression. CARMN expression is reduced in mutant p53 patients due to high m6A methylation, promoting cancer growth. ALKBH5 demethylates CARMN, but mutant p53 suppresses ALKBH5, increasing CARMN degradation. Overexpressing CARMN inhibits cancer progression by targeting miR-5683, which downregulates FGF2. These findings suggest that regulating CARMN demethylation could be a potential cancer therapy strategy.
Products Used: EpiQuik CUT&RUN m6A RNA Enrichment (MeRIP) Kit