Epigenomics and epitranscriptomics

Epigenomics and epitranscriptomics are critical areas of research that shed light on the dynamic regulation of gene expression. By leveraging Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), scientists can perform high-throughput profiling of key epigenetic markers such as DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications, and chromatin accessibility. These insights provide a comprehensive view of the epigenetic landscape, revealing the regulatory elements that control gene expression, cellular differentiation, and the onset of various diseases.

Advanced bioinformatics tools are crucial in analysing these large datasets, enabling researchers to pinpoint specific regulatory mechanisms contributing to cell fate and disease progression. Understanding how these epigenetic changes influence biological processes is essential for advancing research in developmental biology, oncology, and regenerative medicine.

In epitranscriptomics, the study of tRNA modifications has become increasingly crucial for understanding the molecular basis of diseases. tRNA modifications affect the fidelity and efficiency of protein translation, and disruptions in these processes are linked to several pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic diseases. Using NGS technologies alongside advanced bioinformatics, researchers can now map tRNA modifications precisely, identifying alterations contributing to disease development and progression.

By combining NGS with bioinformatics, researchers gain a deeper understanding of epigenetic and epigenetic transcriptomic mechanisms, offering new avenues for therapeutic interventions and personalised medicine.

A selection of our publications

Van Haute L, et al. (2021) Detection of 5-formylcytosine in mitochondrial transcriptome. Methods Mol Biol 2192:59-68 doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0834-0_5

Van Haute L, et al. (2019) METTL15 introduces N4-methylcytidine into human mitochondrial 12S rRNA and is required for mitoribosome biogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 47(19):10267-10281 doi: 10.1093/nar/gkz735

Van Haute L, et al. (2019) NSUN2 introduces 5-methylcytosines in mammalian mitochondrial tRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 47(16):8720-8733 doi: 10.1093/nar/gkz559

Van Haute L, et al. (2017) Dealing with an unconventional genetic code in mitochondria: the biogenesis and pathogenic defects of the 5-formylcytosine modification in mitochondrial tRNAMet. Biomolecules 7(1):24 doi:10.3390/biom7010024

Van Haute L, et al. (2016) Deficient methylation and formylation of mt-tRNAMet wobble cytosine in a patient carrying mutations in NSUN3. Nat Commun 7:12039 doi: 10.1038/ncomms12039

Van Haute L, et al. (2015) Mitochondrial transcript maturation and its disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 38:655-80 doi:10.1007/s10545-015-9859-z

And read our blog about the mysteries of RNA methylation.