Epigenetics

Alcohol impacts gene expression differently across brain regions

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Erica Periandri and Gabor Egervari, from Washington University in St. Louis, led a study to explore how alcohol exposure in male mice influences gene expression and mechanisms that regulate gene function-or epigenetics. Says Egervari, “We recently uncovered that metabolites [from the body’s breakdown] of alcohol directly regulate genes in the hippocampus following a one-time exposure to alcohol. This is a previously unknown and surprisingly direct way in which alcohol impacts the brain, and it … Read more

New Research Links Daily Multivitamins to Slower Biological Aging

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In a randomized clinical trial of older adults, researchers found that taking multivitamins for two years modestly slowed epigenetic markers of aging — equivalent to roughly four months less biological aging compared with a placebo. Li et al. evaluated the two-year effect of daily multivitamin-multimineral supplements and cocoa extract (500 mg cocoa flavanols per day, including … Read more

Single prenatal exposure to fungicide linked to disease across 20 generations

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A single exposure to a toxic fungicide during pregnancy can increase the risk of disease for 20 subsequent generations – with inherited health problems worsening many generations after exposure. Those are the findings of a new Washington State University study of rats that expands the understanding of how long the intergenerational effects of toxic exposure … Read more

Hidden Risks of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy

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The teratogenic risk of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been a major concern in pharmacovigilance over the past several decades. However, neurodevelopmental and autism-related risks associated with these medications have gradually emerged. Although international registries provide information, they are not sufficiently comprehensive to fully assess the risks posed by many AEDs introduced in the past 20 … Read more

Prenatal Stress: Lasting Impact on Babies

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Archyde Maternal Stress During Pregnancy Molecularly Reprograms Newborns, Study Finds April 18, 2025 A groundbreaking study reveals that stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy can induce molecular changes in newborns’ stress response systems. The research highlights significant differences in how male and female babies are affected. Scientists found that maternal stress altered entire families of … Read more

Brain Enzyme Limits Risk of Drug Relapse

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Summary: New research reveals that the enzyme HDAC5 plays a critical role in suppressing a gene (Scn4b) that regulates brain activity associated with drug-related memories, which are central to relapse in substance use disorders (SUDs). By limiting expression of Scn4b, HDAC5 reduces the excitability of neurons in the brain’s reward system, weakening the formation of … Read more

Epigenetics: Protein Aggregate Inheritance

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Archyde Amyloid Proteins: More Than Just AlzheimerS Culprits? Unraveling Epigenetic Inheritance in Worms Table of Contents 1. Amyloid Proteins: More Than Just AlzheimerS Culprits? Unraveling Epigenetic Inheritance in Worms 2. Epigenetics: Beyond teh DNA Sequence 3. The Curious Case of the *MSTR*-Knockout Worms and amyloid Proteins 4. The Promise and Peril of Amyloid Research 5. … Read more

City of Hope researchers uncover the two-step process of tumor formation

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Researchers at City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. with its National Medical Center named top 5 in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report, have found that cell mutations are necessary but not always sufficient for tumors to form. Instead, … Read more

Epigenetic scores offer new insights into cardiometabolic disease prevention

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A new study explores how epigenetic markers-chemical modifications that influence gene activity-can help predict the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases and guide personalized prevention strategies. The findings are particularly significant as the prevalence of major cardiometabolic risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity continues to rise despite advancements in healthcare and treatment. This trend … Read more

Developmental epigenetic changes could shape cancer risk later in life

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A person’s lifetime risk for cancer may begin before they are even born, reports a paradigm-shifting study by Van Andel Institute scientists. The findings, published in Nature Cancer, identified two distinct epigenetic states that arise during development and are linked to cancer risk. One of these states is associated with a lower lifetime risk while … Read more