Methylome, sweet methylome

After the Human Genome Project revealed that humans had roughly the same number of genes as a fruit fly, attention rapidly refocused on gene regulation, with the realisation that control of gene expression was a key factor in human biology (and disease). In particular, work on epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones has exploded in popularity. Based at Exeter and King’s College London, Jonathan Mill is examining modifications to DNA – particularly cytosine methylation – in the human brain, and the potential consequences it could have for both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

Read the full BNA article here

Soapbox Science – Meet Isabel Castanho

Isabel Castanho is an Azorean PhD student in the University of Exeter Medical School, funded by the Alzheimer’s Society. Her current research is focused in understanding the association between epigenetics (the mechanisms that control how our genes are turned “on” and “off”) and the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

As a Neuroscientist, she is amazed by the brain and is always keen to share her excitement. Come meet Isabel on her Soapbox, June 11th in Exeter (Princesshay Square, Exeter City Centre), where she will be talking about the human brain, how it works, and how you can make it stay “young”!

Visit Soapbox Science for more information.

Or check out an interview with Isabel as part of the University’s Researcher in focus series here

Professor Jonathan Mill – Causes and Consequences Of Molecular Variation In The Brain

Professor Jonathan Mill describes research into the causes and consequences of molecular variation in the brain and the role this plays in disorders such as schizophrenia and autism, and also in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.