epigenetics, neuroscience

A protein duo increases transcription of growth-related genes to enhance axon regeneration and boost plasticity, a study finds—but fails to improve mobility.

A CRISPR-based system that reverses epigenetic changes caused by adolescent binge drinking reduces adult addiction-like behaviors in rats, a study finds, suggesting that an epigenomic approach could someday help treat people with alcohol use disorder.

The Columbia University neuroscientist researches the biology behind some of our most human experiences, including building family relationships. 

Genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic data reveal molecular mechanisms tying these disorders to each other and to immune disfunction.

In mice, epigenetic marks made on histones during infancy influence depression-like behavior during adulthood. A drug that reverses the genomic tags appears to undo the damage.

Altering DNA methylation in a particular area of the hypothalamus halved the animals’ voluntary exercise as adults.

Two research groups demonstrate that in Caenorhabditis elegans, behavioral traits can be passed down through the germline to future generations, even though they aren’t hard-wired.

Identifying the molecular interactions that occur all over the body during exercise could reveal how it affects learning and memory.

As researchers unravel the molecular machinery that links exercise and cognition, working out is emerging as a promising neurotherapy.

Injecting molecules from a sea slug that received tail shocks into one that didn’t made the recipient animal behave more cautiously. 

Researchers map learning-induced chromatin alterations in mouse brain cells, and find that many affect autism-associated genes.

Meet some of the people featured in the November 2017 issue of The Scientist.

No two neurons are alike. What does that mean for brain function?

Did behaviors that seem ingrained become fixed through epigenetic mechanisms and ancestral learning?

The enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 turns on memory-building genes within the nuclei of hippocampal neurons. 

Assistant Professor, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior University of California, Irvine. Age: 39

Stoned, Anxious, The Deeper Genome, and Testosterone

People with a congenital disorder that makes them unable to feel pain have mutations in a histone-modifying gene. 

Snail not extinct after all; results too good to be true?; mice need myelin production for motor learning; keeping the brain young; the evolution of archaea