Epigenetics Congress

Gene therapy may slow loss of motor function in ALS

Gene therapy using RNA interference targeting ATXN2 significantly slowed ALS progression and extended survival in preclinical mouse models.Readmore

Fruit fly study reveals a gene’s hidden ability to keep regrowth on the right track

Zelda, a pioneer transcription factor, directs precise cell fate during tissue regeneration in fruit fly wing discs.Readmore

Researchers discover how enhancers can activate genes across domains

A new study has shown for the first time that genetic switches known as enhancers can communicate to genes across domain boundaries, with their ability to do this influenced by a molecular motor – cohesin – that folds our genome inside the cell nucleus.Readmore

Researchers uncover key player behind gene repression in rare brain tumour

Researchers have discovered an important molecular mechanism underlying diffuse midline glioma - an aggressive and currently incurable brain tumour that mostly affects children.Readmore

New study investigates genetics of urinary metabolites

Researchers at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC) and the University of Helsinki identified 54 genetic associations with the levels of different metabolites in urine.Readmore

Key Genetic Discoveries in Maize Photosynthesis

Researchers from Cambridge, Pisa, and Essex have uncovered new genetic factors that enhance photosynthesis efficiency in maize. These findings could boost crop yields and support sustainable agriculture through improved plant performance.Readmore

Gene Regulation in Olfactory Cells Affected by Traffic-Related Ultrafine Particles

A new study shows that exposure to air pollution-derived ultrafine particles alters gene transcription through epigenetic mechanisms, impacting processes such as cell survival. Readmore

Epigenetic Reprogramming: The Link Between Temperature and Plant Cell Fate

A research team led by Prof. XIAO Jun at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, has uncovered a novel mechanism by which temperature influences plant cell fate through the regulation of epigenetic marks.Readmore

New IGTP Research Identifies Prognostic Epigenetic Marker in Metastatic Thyroid Cancer

Researchers at IGTP and five university hospitals have identified a 156-CpG site epigenetic signature in primary tumors that predicts metastatic risk in differentiated thyroid cancer.Readmore

Pancreatic Cells Remember Epigenetic Precancerous Marks Without Genetic Sequence Mutations refresh

Johns Hopkins scientists found that normal pancreatic cells in mice can temporarily retain epigenetic marks linked to early cancer developmentReadmore

IGTP-led study identifies an epigenetic signature with prognostic value in metastatic thyroid cancer

Researchers at IGTP identified a 156-CpG site DNA methylation signature in primary thyroid tumors that may predict metastatic risk. This breakthrough could aid in early patient stratification and personalized care.Readmore

Epigenos Biosciences brings epigenetic precision to gene therapy

Gene therapy continues to advance, with 26 gene therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as of April 2025. Yet key challenges remain, especially in managing the level and duration of gene expression following treatment. Readmore

Epigenetic flexibility helps embryos avoid developmental errors

An international research team led by Helmholtz Munich has demonstrated in detail for the first time how the spatial organization of the genome develops in the nucleus of early embryos in the first hours after fertilization. Readmore

Retinal Clues to Mental Health

A new study led by the University of Zurich has shown that evidence of genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia can be found in the retina. This finding could help improve the early detection of the disorder.Readmore

IRB Barcelona Research Sheds Light on DNA-RNA Triplex Structures in Gene Control

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified the most stable DNA-RNA hybrid triplexes in human cells, suggesting they help regulate gene expression and chromatin structure. The study appears in Nucleic Acids Research.Readmore

Memory of Precancerous Epigenetic Changes in Pancreatic Cells Occurs Without Genetic Sequence Mutations

Researchers at Johns Hopkins uncover epigenetic patterns in mouse pancreatic cells transitioning toward cancer, suggesting a temporary memory of these changes in normal cells.Readmore

Shelley L. Berger, PhD, Inducted into AACR Academy for Pioneering Epigenetics Research

Penn Researcher to Receive 2025 AACR-Women in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend LectureshipReadmore

New study identifies drug targets for osteoarthritis

By integrating functional genomics with the largest genome-wide association study of osteoarthritis to date, researchers have identified disease-associated variants and uncovered novel drug targetsReadmore

An Efficient and Economical Approach to Assess Chemical-Induced Epigenetic Alterations

Many commonly used chemicals can cause genetic and epigenetic changes linked to diseases like cancer, highlighting the need for thorough safety assessments. Readmore

From Microbes to Meadows: A Journey Through Biological Defense and Reproduction

A New Genetic Clue: DNA Marker Tied to Sperm Function Found Beyond MicrobesReadmore

Breakthrough Ushers in a New Epigenetic Era for Crop Breeding

Researchers Unlock Epigenetic Variation, Paving the Way for Next-Gen Crop Breeding Readmore

Stem cell funding to benefit epigenetic study

A team of researchers from the University of Adelaide have received funding to help improve the lives of patients with rare neurodevelopmental disorders.Readmore

Researchers identify “master regulator” gene that could lead to more effective treatment for patients with ovarian cancer

Two cancer drugs increase the expression of a potential biomarker that correlates with improved survival outcomes in patients with treatment-resistant ovarian cancer.Readmore

A Genetic Screen Identifies a New Master Regulator of Brain Metastasis

A new study from scientists at Yale School of Medicine has identified N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10), an enzyme highly expressed in brain metastasis, as a driver of brain metastasis.Readmore

Part of the Genetic Risk for Schizophrenia Acts Through the Placenta

An international team led by UPV/EHU and Biobizkaia reveals the relationship between placental DNA methylation and certain neuropsychiatric disorders.Readmore

Stowers scientists uncover principles underlying the toxicity of “selfish” genes

The findings may help scientists better understand infertility, neurodegeneration, and evolution. Readmore

Emeritus Professor recognised for outstanding research in genetics and epigenetics in blood cancer

Emeritus Professor of Experimental Hematology, Constanze Bonifer, wins prestigious award for advancing her field of research.Readmore

Manipulating time with torpor

Surviving extreme conditions in nature is no easy feat. Many species of mammals rely on special adaptations called daily torpor and hibernation to endure periods of scarcity.Readmore

With $2.7M grant, UTSA researchers test new approach to pinpoint origin of non-genetic hereditary diseases

A $2.7 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation will propel the work of a UTSA professor studying how environmentally-induced diseases originate through disruption of epigenetic programming.Readmore

Violent experiences alter the genome in ways that persist for generations

A first-of-its-kind study shows that experiencing violence and trauma leaves a heritable imprint on the human genome. Readmore

Genomics to revolutionise treatment of childhood rare diseases

A simple genomics blood test could improve treatment and care for childhood epilepsy, but more investment is needed to make access fair and securely join up the dataReadmore

Does E-Cigarette Use Increase the Risk of Cancer?

New research explores effects of e-cigarette use on RNA expression Readmore

Gene therapy developed for maple syrup urine disease shows promise, new UMass Chan study reports

A study led by UMass Chan Medical School researchers demonstrated that a gene therapy to correct a mutation that causes maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) prevented newborn death, and stabilized biomarkers in a calf as well as in mice.Readmore

Intense heat changes our biology and can make us age significantly faster: study

Heat takes it out of you. After a long, hot day, we feel tired and grumpy.Readmore

Violence alters human genes for generations, researchers discover

Four decades later, rebels used the memory of the massacre to help inspire the toppling of the Assad family that had overseen the operationReadmore

Funding to Research on Epigenetic memory

Pierre Chymkowitch at the University of Oslo received 12 million NOK to study how SUMOylation affects epigenetic stability, potentially preventing diseases like obesity and cancer.Readmore

Promising new class of antimalarial drugs discovered

A research team led by Markus Meißner (LMU Munich) and Gernot Längst (University of Regensburg) has gained important insights into the gene regulation of the malaria pathogen.Readmore

Omega-3s Can Slow Down Aging Process

A study from the University of Zurich found that consuming 1 gram of omega-3 daily can slow biological aging by up to four months, as measured by epigenetic clocks.Readmore

MIT biologists discover a new type of control over RNA splicing

They identified proteins that influence splicing of about half of all human introns, allowing for more complex types of gene regulation.Readmore

Blood proteins during development from childhood to adolescence

Large-scale study maps how genetics and development shape children's blood proteins. Data can be accessed on the new web portal proteomevariation.org.Readmore

Breakthrough discovery: HKUMed identifies novel gene behind neurodevelopmental syndrome for enhanced clinical treatment

A clinical research team from the LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), and international genetic researchers led a global research study using multi-omics analysis and identified a novel gene, DDX39B, for a rare disease.Readmore

Scientists Identify New Epigenetic Approach to Target Colorectal Cancer

A new study reveals that a mouse protein, STELLA, can block cancer-causing epigenetic changes, leading to a promising mRNA-based therapy for colorectal and other solid tumors.Readmore

New Epigenetics Hub set to advance early disease detection

A £3M collaboration between Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust will explore how DNA marks in blood can enable early disease detection.Readmore

Cancer risk established before birth

A study in Nature Cancer identified two epigenetic states linked to cancer risk, suggesting that cancer susceptibility may be determined during development and could be targeted for treatment.Readmore

Perkins researchers granted funds to advance epigenetic research

Two researchers at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research have been awarded separate grants totalling $3.6million in federal government funding to better understand and treat diseases.Readmore

Potential epigenetic biomarker found for preeclampsia in pregnancy

PULLMAN, Wash. — Analysis of cheek swabs taken from pregnant women revealed a potential epigenetic biomarker for preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition that often leads to preterm births.Readmore