Epigenetics

Epigenetics is still a "newborn" discovery. The scientific community is beginning to take its first steps in research and design of potential applications of epigenetics. Click on the pictures to see their respective webpages.

Human Epigenome Project The Human Epigenome Project (HEP) is a monumental effort started in 2003. HEP's goal is to"... identify, catalogue and interpret genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of all human genes in all major tissues" (Citation 23). Because methylation is the only traceable epigenetic mechanism, HEP's main focus is on methylation patterns. By finding distinct cytosine bases located in CpG sites and islands, HEP hopes to map the methylation processes and discover MVPs. MVPs, or methlyation variable positions, refer to the effects of methylation on different cytosine bases (C itation 23). HEP is funded by the European Union, and is working in tandem with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (UK), Epigenomics AG (Germany), and Centre National du Génotypage (France) (Citation 23). MethylGene MethylGene is a company that focuses on enzymatic inhibitor therapy and treatment. One of their main projects is working to develop HDAC (histone deacetyl transferase) inhibitors. Their main HDAC inhibitor, MGCD0103 (currentlly in Phase 2 of clinical trials), is designed to inhibit "...specific HDAC isoforms... [that] play a major role in cancr" (Citation 26). They hope to successfully fight back cancer without endangering the life of the patient (Citation 10). Epigentek Originally founded in 2005, Epigentek has become a global leader in epigenetic tools, kits and research. Their stated objectives are to: Assist researchers in solving challenges in epigenetic issues. Pioneer and innovate epigenetic products through routine analysis of technological trends. Develop and introduce simplification and accuracy to epigenetic experiments. Ensure customer satisfaction through superior reliatbility, speed, service, and quality. Encourage and facilitate the study of epigenetics for potential medical applications. (C itation 19) Epigentek produces numerous assay kits, such as DNA methyltranfserase assays, and histone methyltransferaes, demethylase, acetyltransferase and acetylase assays. They also produce methylation and acetylation quantification kits, and bisulfite methylation analysis kits. The assay kits are used to determine enzymatic activity, which is useful in epigenetic analysis because researchers can determine major histone modification or methylation points. Vorinostat Vorinostat (commercially known as Zolinza) is an HDAC inhibitor drug currently on the market. Released by Merck in 2009, vorinostat works "by killing or stopping the growth of cancer cells." Prescribed as a daily medication, vorinostat helps treat cutaeneous T-cell lymphoma, a Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that affects T-cells (as opposed to B-cells, like most other Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas). Vorinostat inhibits HDAC, leading to lower tumor activity (Citation 33).

Epigenetics: Bridging Nature and Nurture