BioQuakes

AP Biology class blog for discussing current research in Biology

Author: Lord of the blood cells

Epigenetics for Asthmatics


In a recent study, a group of scientists obtained findings that could lead to a new approach to treating allergies. Instead of looking at the genes of their test subjects, they looked at something “above” the genome. Here we reach the field of Epigenetics.
Let us first define “Epigenetics” as the study on the activity and regulation of genes. In the world of Epigenetics, one can think of the epigenome as the on-off switch for the expression of genes. In terms of the study lead by Professors William Cookson and Miriam Moffatt, they focus on genes that trigger Asthma in patients. As Asthma cannot be ‘cured’, is there a way to shut down the genes that cause it?

The research team searched for a correlation between Asthma-causing antibodies and low methylation levels. Methylation is the process by which a methyl group attaches to certain genes in order to regulate their activity. Scientists already know that people with asthma have higher levels of an antibody called “Immunoglobin E” (IgE). This antibody is involved in triggering the symptoms of asthma. It is already known that genes responsible for producing IgE are hyperactive in asthma patients. The question became whether methylation had something to do with it. So to answer this question, the researchers obtained volunteers with asthma, but with varying IgE levels. The group found significant results surrounding lower levels of methylation with the patients that had higher levels of IgE than those with lower levels of IgE in their blood. This suggests that the lower methyl levels on certain genes evokes an overactivity of IgE producing genes.

After reading the article myself, I wonder if asthma patients could find ways to have higher methyl levels in their body to shut down the overactive IgE-producing genes. Perhaps they could consume a methyl rich diet? I guess it’s not that simple. Further research should obviously go into epigenetics, since I feel it is a newly discovered field. Anyways, here are the head scientists reactions to the experiments:

Professor Moffatt: “The genes we identified represent new potential drug targets for allergic diseases as well as biomarkers that may predict which patients will respond to existing expensive therapies.”

Professor Cookson: “Our pioneering approach, using epigenetics, allowed us to obtain insights that we weren’t able to get from traditional genetics. It isn’t just the genetic code that can influence disease and DNA sequencing can only take you so far. Our study shows that modifications on top of the DNA that control how genes are read may be even more important.”

This article (and the entire study of Epigenetics) shows how scientific knowledge and thought is always changing. Before recent research showing a link between one’s living environment and their genetic activity came along, scientists widely believed that one only passes down inherited genes to their offspring. This potentially makes scientists now look twice at Lamarck and Darwin’s theories of evolution. Due to the new research conducted on Epigenetics, Lamarck’s (originally rejected) theory of how an animal’s environment will affect that animal’s offspring can now be regarded in a whole new light.

Original Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150218073057.htm

Further Reading: http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/180963-lamarcks-revenge-the-epigenetics-revolution-may-redeem-one-of-darwins-oldest-rivals

How do “Evergreen” trees survive such long winters?

800px-Pine_stand_near_Aegviidu,_Jan_2010First let’s start with how trees work, and why normal leaves of the typical tree (deciduous) would not survive during the winter. These trees grow large leaves whose great surface area allows for more photosynthesis to occur. However, water is required for photosynthesis to occur. A good amount of water is transported through the tree’s vascular system by xylem and phloem. Much of this water is required to keep leaves alive. If these leaves were to remain alive during the winter months, the water inside them would freeze and kill them anyways. To retain this water, the tree recalls all water back into the wooden parts of the tree and lets leaves “fall” right before the winter. This is known as the dormant state where the tree survives off of the energy created from photosynthesis performed before losing its leaves. Since the leaves had a large surface area, photosynthesis is done in enough quantity to allow the tree to survive with no photosynthesis for a long winter.

Now, onto why the ‘leaves’ of Evergreen trees stay green and are able to survive such bitter cold winters:
Have you noticed what grows on Evergreen trees? The most common “leaf” is the pine needle. These are very small and thin needles that can be thought of as a leaf tightly coiled together. They cover themselves in a waxy substance called cutin. These needles also require less water to stay alive and perform photosynthesis than leaf. The small amount of water and protective Cutin coating stop any water from freezing and killing any pine needles. Yes, the tiny leaves do not perform as much photosynthesis as a large deciduous leaf, but these pine needles have the qualities necessary to survive the long winter and continue to do photosynthesis throughout the entire winter and provide continuous energy for the tree. Also, some needles do die, and these are immediately replaced by new, healthy needles. This process is different than the one time “fall” of a deciduous tree’s leaves. We will see many more pine trees in cold northern climates and more deciduous trees in warm southern climates. One can think of an Evergreen as a tree that has a continuous energy fueling its growth, while a deciduous tree flourishes with high energy production for three seasons of the year and then “sleeps” for the winter with its stored energy.

If you’re looking to take good care of evergreen trees, it would be best to water any backyard evergreen trees in the season of Autumn to add to its water supply that fuels photosynthesis that goes on (important because of the lack of absorbed water in winter due to it being frozen in the soil).

Which tree do you think is more effective at surviving in its own environment?800px-Pine_stand_near_Aegviidu,_Jan_2010

Related link: http://science.jrank.org/pages/5241/Pines.html

Photo: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pine_stand_near_Aegviidu,_Jan_2010.jpg

Is Exercise really that important?

1st_Lt._DAmelio_Running_(7637737280)
Yes, exercise can have a ton of benefits not only for your heart, but for your overall health. First of all, cardiovascular disease (CVD-or heart disease) accounted for approximately 30% of worldwide deaths in 2008. Coronary heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death. Why such terrible statistics? Well, let’s just say some people don’t take care of their bodies as well as they should be.

Obesity rates are sky high in people, mostly in the United States. It can drastically increase the risk of certain diseases like heart disease and diabetes (type II). Sometimes obesity and heart disease is beyond peoples’ control, either being born with a very slow metabolism or diabetes. However in most cases, heart illness can be prevented. The best way to fend off heart disease would be to exercise. In combination with a healthy diet, exercise is essential to a healthy heart. The essential benefactors of exercise are that it lowers ones blood pressure and lowers ones resting heartbeat. Your heart isn’t working so hard to pump at higher pressures, but it is being conditioned as the muscle it is to pump faster at certain points. Since you are exerting energy, you burn calories and lower your cholesterol levels (cholesterol levels in bulk could lead to clogged arteries). Of course there’s still more to exercise. Exercise leads to the release of natural endorphins, which create a sense of euphoria. Some people describe this state as a “natural high”. The release of endorphins could be considered positive reinforcement to exercise since it makes people literally feel good physically and mentally. In turn people would keep coming back to exercise to feel great and be in shape. This is overall highly effective for helping people to burn more calories (which would mean burning fat and stopping obesity from occurring within themselves). If one does not participate in exercise, they are much more likely to feel worse and overall have a higher risk of heart disease. According to the CDC, over 9 million cases of cardiovascular disease were due to lack of exercise. So why not exercise? Protect your health and well being. Even for a little bit every day, exercising is a helpful tool for better health and better morale.

Do you exercise on a regular basis?

 

Helpful link: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/exercise-healthy-heart

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