An Italian group of researchers has used zinc finger editing to silence the PCSK9 gene and improve blood cholesterol levels in mice by applying a single dose of their modifier. The epigenetic-based method could be an alternative to genome editing.

Why cancer? The mechanisms that drive and maintain tumorigenesis are still a mystery. This is a play with different actors who have different roles in several contexts. One of these scenarios is represented by genetic and epigenetic conditions that determine the early trajectories of cancer cells. In addition, different mechanisms will control phenotypes and states that can take one or another direction toward cancer.

Oryzon Genomics SA has announced two grants that will support the exploration of the role of epigenetic targets in the treatment of neuronal pathologies. Funded by the Spanish State Research Agency and the Ministry of Science and Innovation, the grants cover two public-private collaboration projects.

The simultaneous mapping of DNA mutations and epigenetic changes as colorectal cancer evolves has for the first time tracked their relative contributions and shown epigenetic control of gene transcription is far more important than somatic mutations in enabling tumors to adapt and develop a survival advantage over other cells. In an analysis of 1,373 samples from 30 colorectal cancer samples, epigenetic changes were highly common in cells that had become cancerous and occurred around known cancer driver mutations. These epigenetic alterations were heritable, were passed on at each cell division, and in addition to a direct contribution to the evolution of tumors also influenced how cancer cells accumulated DNA mutations. The modifications to gene regulation conferred survival advantages that meant cancer cells grew faster than normal counterparts. While it is not news that epigenetic changes are involved in tumor development, previously it was not clear what the relative contribution was, and that their effect could be independent of DNA mutations.

Epigenic Therapeutics Co. Ltd., a company developing epigenomic-focused gene therapies in multiple indications, has raised $20 million across angel and pre-series A rounds to support preclinical studies, early stage research, and growth for its team.

Epigenic Therapeutics Co. Ltd., a company developing epigenomic-focused gene therapies in multiple indications, has raised $20 million across angel and pre-series A rounds to support preclinical studies, early stage research, and growth for its team.