Category Archives: Epigenetics

Our understanding of early development and its importance for lifelong health is constantly evolving, thanks in part to the growing field of epigenetics. We now know that parents pass along more than just their genes they also transmit molecular mechanisms that control how genes are expressed. These epigenetic gene regulators help ensure the normal development of a child.

However, only a few genes in our genome carry the epigenetic data of our parents. These imprinted genes are either expressed (or not-expressed) based on whether an epigenetic regulator is inherited from the mother or father.

During early embryonic development, certain maternal genes transmit important and lasting epigenetic information from the oocyte (egg cell) to the zygote (fertilized egg). However, outside of this small grouping of imprinted genes, very few other genes have been found to be influenced by the mothers epigenetic condition at least until now.

Scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) of Medical Research in Australia have recently discovered that we may be inheriting more of our mothers epigenetic information than what was previously thought. In their study, published in Nature Communications, the researchers learned for the first time that a specific protein found in the mothers egg epigenetically affects the genes required for skeletal patterning in the child.

Principal investigator, professor Marnie Blewitt of WEHI, and her team, which included PhD student Natalia Benetti and Edwina McGlinn of Monash University, were initially surprised by their findings.

Knowing that epigenetic information from the mother can have effects with life-long consequences for body patterning is exciting, as it suggests this is happening far more than we ever thought, Blewit said. It could open a Pandoras box as to what other epigenetic information is being inherited.

The primary focus of the study was on a protein called SMCHD1, an epigenetic regulator professor Blewit discovered in 2008, and the Hox genes, a group of developmental genes critical for skeletal development.

In developing embryos, Hox genes help lay out the basic skeletal form of the body, and its up to an epigenetic regulator to prevent these genes from being activated too early. According to the researchers, the amount of SMCHD1 in the egg determines Hox gene expression, thus instructing the embryo as it develops.

Using a mouse model, when the researchers deleted maternal SMCHD1 from the egg, the offspring were born with altered skeletal structures. However, this modification did not disrupt certain histone marks (H2AK119ub and H3K27me3) from the oocyte in early embryonic development, suggesting that maternal SMCHD1 acts downstream to establish a chromatin state necessary for constant epigenetic silencing and appropriate Hox gene expression later in the growing embryo.

From the data, it was clear to the team that epigenetic information, rather than genetic, passed from the mother to offspring.

Benetti stated, While we have more than 20,000 genes in our genome, only that rare subset of about 150 imprinted genes and very few others have been shown to carry epigenetic information from one generation to another.

She emphasized how intriguing it is that a group of essential genes (EG) can also retain maternal epigenetic information, especially since EGs are highly conserved across most species and protected from mutations.

The researchers did point out that maternal SMCHD1 only exists for a few days in the egg after conception. However, while short-lived, the effects are long-lasting because SMCHD1 does not result in embryonic lethality, unlike many maternal effect genes.

Although more research is needed to fully understand the enduring impact of maternal SMCHD1 in the developing embryo, the study does show that this gene is required for properHox expression and, thus, normal skeletal patterning.

Rare developmental disorders like FSHD and Bosma arhinia microphthalmia syndrome (BAMS) have been linked with variants in the SMCHD1 gene. Using their newfound knowledge about SMCHD1, the team is currently working on finding ways to develop novel therapies to treat BAMS, FSHD, and similar developmental disorders like Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Overall, the findings from this study increase our understanding not only about maternal SMCHD1, but also on how heritable epigenetic factors influence offspring phenotypes and play a role in human disease.

Source:Natalia Benetti, et al.Maternal SMCHD1 regulates Hox gene expression and patterning in the mouse embryo.Nature Communications, August 2022.

Reference:Not all in the genes: Are we inheriting more than we think? Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. August 12, 2022.

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Researchers Find that Moms Pass On Additional Epigenetic Information To Their Children - WhatIsEpigenetics.com

Jamie Lo, M.D., M.C.R.,associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology (perinatology and maternal-fetal medicine), OHSU School of Medicine, and Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center at OHSU. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

A physician-scientist at Oregon Health & Science University is one of just six researchers across the country to receive an Avenir Award in Genetics and Epigenetics of Substance Abuse from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Jamie Lo, M.D., M.C.R., will use the award to develop and execute creative and transformative research to explore how parents behavior and environment affects their offspring before birth in some cases, even before conception.

The award is expected to provide $1.5 million over five years. NIDAs DP1 Avenir Awards support early-career investigators proposing new areas of research for the genetics or epigenetics of addiction.

Lo is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology (maternal-fetal medicine) in the OHSU School of Medicine and the Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) at OHSU.

Being a scientist at ONPRC has allowed for leading-edge scientific pursuits across scientific and clinical disciplines with researchers at OHSU and at other institutions, and has allowed me to leverage the translational strength of nonhuman primate models that drive scientific discovery, she said. Im grateful and really looking forward to new discoveries we can achieve next.

In her clinical practice, Lo focuses on caring for people with high-risk pregnancies. She frequently encounters patients asking about the safety of cannabis use and other substances while theyre trying to conceive, while pregnant and during breastfeeding..

Most recently, Lo published two widely publicized studies suggesting that chronic use of cannabis may greatly affect male fertilityand reproductive outcomes, and female reproductive health, including increased menstrual cycle length. The male fertility study, in nonhuman primates, used edible cannabis similar to human dosages and found significant decreases in male reproductive hormones, including testosterone, and greater than 50% shrinkage of the testicles.

In earning the elite Avenir Award, Lo credits the support shes received from her clinical and academic departments, along with collaborations forged with other scientists at OHSU, including those in the departments of urology and biomedical engineering, and researchers at other top academic institutions.

Lo plans to use the new funding to delve into how the active ingredient in cannabis, THC, affects the expression of genes in the brains of offspring. The research will set out to determine how a fathers or mothers consumption of cannabis may affect their offspring both in early childhood and later in life or even their childrens offspring.

Were going to look at whether or not those changes that happen to the sperm, egg, fetus or infant are then inherited and how they impact offspring development, she said.

Generally, due to the lack of safety data and the preliminary findings of her work, she advises expectant parents to refrain from cannabis use while pregnant and for those who cannot quit to limit use.

Lo said she feels privileged to be part of ONPRCs team of scientists making discoveries that she can bring back to patients in the clinic.

We do know that cannabis use seems likely to impact reproductive health and fertility in both males and females, and that prenatal cannabis exposure can adversely affect the placenta and fetus, Lo said. But its very hard to study cannabis in humans, especially in pregnancy, because people are often using other substances, affected by their socioeconomic conditions, limited by the inaccuracies of self-reporting, and the quantity and dose of THC used is often difficult to determine.

Using a nonhuman primate model, scientists can control background variables, including diet and exercise, that would not be possible to achieve in people. The award number is 1DP1DA056493-01, through the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the NIH.

OHSU IACUC

All research involving animal subjects at OHSU must be reviewed and approved by the universitysInstitutional Animal Care and Use Committee(IACUC). The IACUCs priority is to ensure the health and safety of animal research subjects. The IACUC also reviews procedures to ensure the health and safety of the people who work with the animals. The IACUC conducts a rigorous review of all animal research proposals to ensure they demonstrate scientific value and justify the use of live animals.

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Prestigious award advances OHSU research on impact of drug use over generations - OHSU News

A WIRRAL doctor has announced the launch of DNA Epigenetic testing which can detect disease in the body before it appears.

Doctor Professor Frank Joseph from Hoylake founded the company, Dam Health, which emerged as medical diagnostic leaders during the Covid-19 pandemic.

DAM Health is now expanding into new areas of healthcare, launching DNA Epigenetic testing, a kit that detects potential illness and provides life expectancy guidance.

Professor Frank Joseph, Medical Director of DAM Health, said: "DAM Health are working on a full portfolio of healthcare services and products both online and in-clinic with an array of rapid diagnostic tests to be readily available to the public, as well as point-of-care machines, which offer more in-depth results.

"The launch of an online GP will also lead us to our main objective of subscription-based healthcare.

"DAM are moving into the blood test field over the next 12 months; full blood counts, looking at the biochemistry of the blood to detect markers which might indicate certain diseases in places such as the kidney and liver.

"The DNA test kits are particularly big news and are providing popular all over the world. This is preventative healthcare in action. It is a very exciting time for the company as we set our sights on becoming a global leader in healthcare and diagnostics."

The 170 saliva test can distinguish between your chronological and biological age, with the former referring to how many years you have lived, and the latter an estimate of the body's decline based on subtle DNA markers.

The health firm also say the test can show patients what diseases they may be susceptible to, and offer an estimate of their eye, memory and hearing age.

DAM Health's Director of Research and Innovation, Dami Aboyeji, believes the new technology will become increasingly important in modern healthcare.

Aboyeji said: "DNA Epigenetics shows when people have certain changes to their genes which affect your lifestyle. This information will provide insight into intolerances and diseases you may be susceptible to, long before they appear.

"It is a wealth of information. DNA Epigenetics can tell you your biological age compared to your chronological age and advanced testing can even tell people the age of their eyes.

"In short, it is looking at what the DNA is telling us about your health and your lifestyle.

"I believe this technology is going to become so much more important in the future because we have always believed evolution is something that happens over a long period of time.

"But DNA Epigenetics shows us the changes which are happening within our lifetime and can even show people the effects drinking alcohol has on their body, or certain foods.

"On the other hand, it can give a clear idea of what we should be eating and drinking and what types of exercise are right for our body types."

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Hoylake doctor launches test that detects diseases before they appear - Wirral Globe

Signing of patent assignment from CLS Therapeutics as part of a collaboration agreement with Volition and CLS Therapeutics to develop NETs-targeted adoptive cell therapies for the treatment of cancer

FRAMINGHAM, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 11, 2022 / Xenetic Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:XBIO) ("Xenetic"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing innovative immune-oncology technologies for the treatment of hard to treat cancers, today announced the signing of a patent assignment from CLS Therapeutics, Inc. ("CLS") to Xenetic related to Xenetic's previously announced collaboration with VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN:VNRX) ("Volition"), a multi-national epigenetics company, and CLS, a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class therapies based on the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. In consideration of the patent assignment, Xenetic will also issue 850,000 shares of common stock to CLS.

Xenetic Biosciences, Inc., Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Press release picture

"Our team remains intent on driving the DNase technology platform forward with the goal of improving outcomes of existing therapeutic agents in multiple solid tumor indications for which existing therapeutic agents have not been proven to be effective. Our collaboration with Volition and CLS has provided us with research and development partners with expertise and capabilities to help drive the DNase-Armored CAR T program forward. We are excited to continue building on the progress we've made thus far and on taking the next steps forward in executing on our plans to advance the DNase technology," commented Jeffrey Eisenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Xenetic.

The Company's collaboration with Volition is an early exploratory program to evaluate the potential combination of Volition's Nu.Q technology and Xenetic's DNase-Armored CAR T platform to develop proprietary adoptive cell therapies potentially targeting multiple types of solid cancers for which current CAR T cell therapies have shown limited or no effect. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Volition will fund a research program and the two parties will share proceeds from commercialization or licensing of any products arising from the collaboration.

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Epigenetically modified nucleosomes are present on tumor cell surfaces and within the tumor microenvironment of multiple types of solid cancers, and thus these nucleosomes may represent generalizable tumor antigens that are not limited to a single cancer type. Volition's Nu.Q technology can specifically recognize and target epigenetically modified nucleosomes, while Xenetic's DNase-Armored CAR T platform is designed to enhance the function of CAR T cells within solid tumor microenvironments.

About Xenetic Biosciences

Xenetic Biosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing innovative immune-oncology technologies addressing hard to treat cancers. The Company's DNase platform is designed to improve outcomes of existing treatments, including immunotherapies, by targeting neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are implicated in multiple pathways of cancer progression. Xenetic is currently focused on advancing its systemic DNase program into the clinic as an adjunctive therapy for pancreatic carcinoma and other locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

The Company is also developing its personalized CAR T platform technology, XCART, to develop cell-based therapeutics targeting the unique B-Cell receptor on the surface of an individual patient's malignant tumor cells for the treatment of B-Cell lymphomas.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.xeneticbio.com and connect on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Xenetic Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that we intend to be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements can be identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "projects," "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the patent assignment and the collaboration agreement with Volition and CLS, including regarding the issuance of shares of common stock to CLS, the collaboration providing us with research and development partners with expertise and capabilities to help drive the DNase-Armored CAR T program forward, our expectations regarding continuing to build on the progress we've made thus far and on taking the next steps forward in executing on our plans to advance the DNase technology, our belief regarding the potential combination of Volition's Nu.Q technology and Xenetic's DNase-Armored CAR T platform leading to the development of proprietary adoptive cell therapies potentially targeting multiple types of solid cancers for which current CAR T cell therapies have shown limited or no effect, the terms of the collaboration agreement, pursuant to which Volition will fund a research program and the two parties will share proceeds from commercialization or licensing of any products arising from the collaboration, and the potential for nucleosomes to represent generalizable tumor antigens that are not limited to a single cancer type; all statements regarding our expectations with respect to our DNase oncology platform, including our expectations to remain intent on driving the DNase technology platform forward with the goal of improving outcomes of existing therapeutic agents in multiple solid tumor indications for which existing therapeutic agents have not been proven to be effective, our expectations to focus on advancing the systemic DNase program into the clinic as an adjunctive therapy for pancreatic carcinoma and other locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors, and our belief that the DNase platform is designed to enhance the function of CAR T cells within solid tumor microenvironments; and plans regarding our personalized CAR T platform technology, XCART, being used to develop cell-based therapeutics targeting the unique B-Cell receptor on the surface of an individual patient's malignant tumor cells for the treatment of B-Cell lymphomas. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual activities, performance, achievements, or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual activities, performance, achievements, or results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, (1) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the collaboration agreement with Volition and CLS; (2) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the licensing of the DNase platform or the patent assignment; (3) uncertainty of the expected financial performance of the Company following the licensing of the DNase platform; (4) failure to realize the anticipated potential of the DNase, XCART or PolyXen technologies; (5) the ability of the Company to implement its business strategy; and (6) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 10-K, periodic quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the SEC. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. In addition, forward-looking statements may also be adversely affected by general market factors, general economic and business conditions, including potential adverse effects of public health issues, such as the COVID-19 outbreak, and geopolitical events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on economic activity, competitive product development, product availability, federal and state regulations and legislation, the regulatory process for new product candidates and indications, manufacturing issues that may arise, patent positions and litigation, among other factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date the statements were made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Xenetic Contact:JTC Team, LLCJenene Thomas(833) 475-8247xbio@jtcir.com

SOURCE: Xenetic Biosciences, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/719815/Xenetic-Biosciences-Inc-Announces-Signing-of-Patent-Assignment-Related-to-Collaboration-With-VolitionRx-Limited-and-CLS-Therapeutics

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Xenetic Biosciences, Inc. Announces Signing of Patent Assignment Related to Collaboration With VolitionRx Limited and CLS Therapeutics - Yahoo Finance

Childhood trauma affects your mind, body, and well-being. The study of epigenetics suggests it may also affect your genes.

Intergenerational and historical trauma centers around the idea that the trauma a person experiences can have ripple effects on the next generation.

Examples of trauma that could be intergenerational include ongoing sexual abuse, war, and systemic trauma like racism.

Trauma doesnt just impact the individual who endured it, but it impacts future generations as well, and is, in a sense, inherited, says Saba Harouni Lurie, LMFT and founder of Take Root Therapy in Los Angeles.

Research on exactly how and to what extent trauma affects your DNA is ongoing, but recent studies suggest theres a connection between trauma and genetics.

The genetic makeup that youre born with plays a role in whether you will develop certain mental or physical health conditions, but thats only one piece of the puzzle. The study of epigenetics shows us how your lived experiences and environment can actually change how your DNA and genetic traits are expressed in situations.

Experiencing trauma might alter your genetic makeup and those changes could be passed down to future generations. In this way, a child might inherit trauma responses from a parent, such as a tendency to react to threats with a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response.

Epigenetics could also influence what someone is afraid of, what someone is sensitive to, and how their body functions and develops, says Lurie.

A 2018 study in mice suggests that epigenetic changes can continue to show effects for generations, supporting the idea of intergenerational trauma.

The researchers found that starving a group of mice caused them to engage in aggressive behavior toward their food. They gave the next generation ample food to eat but despite having plenty of food, the offspring of the starved mice also showed aggressiveness toward their food.

Epigeneticists also look at how the genes you inherit dont manifest. Things that run in your family might stay inactive or even be reversible, including trauma.

Methylation is a natural, biochemical process. When methyl groups are added to DNA, it can impact how those genes are expressed. Some researchers believe that experiencing trauma can affect your genes through methylation.

If trauma affects your genes, it can have effects on:

According to an older research paper from 2003, a lack of methyl groups or disruption of a methylation cycle can lead to immune system complications.

One 2018 Swedish study suggests a link between certain mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and autoimmune disorders.

An adverse childhood experience (ACE) score is a measure of childhood trauma a person has lived through, such as abuse or neglect from a caregiver or having a parent who has experienced incarceration.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), experts have linked ACE scores to mental and physical health conditions. A higher score may increase the likelihood of developing:

Having a higher ACE score reflects the trauma youve experienced. It may mean youre more likely to have trouble:

If you have a higher ACE score, you might be more likely to experience health issues. Health issues can crop up because of a weakened stress response due to the lifelong effects of trauma exposure, says Lurie.

Sharnell Myles, PsyD, a certified clinical trauma professional and Vice President of Embark Behavioral Health, explains that Black people, particularly children, are subject to racial bias regarding their trauma responses.

Theres a common stereotype that Black people are excessively angry when really what theyre experiencing is strong emotions. But we know defensiveness can be a response to trauma, and expressiveness is part of Black culture, says Myles.

Myles adds that underlying factors can account for overblown reactions in people who have experienced trauma, especially in marginalized people.

Its also important to recognize that excessive anger stereotypically ascribed to Black people has been shown to be inaccurate, resulting from racial bias and power dynamics. So excessive anger may be perceived by other individuals, but not actually accurate.

One of the ways that these trauma-induced epigenetic modifications can occur is via stress response genes. By altering how the genes that respond to stressors function, an individual might develop lowered resilience to any additional trauma faced later in life, says Lurie.

Experts believe the link between epigenetics and trauma might serve as potential biomarkers for mental and physical health conditions.

This might help provide better support to folks whove experienced trauma. It could also help researchers find ways to potentially alter these genetic changes.

Know that while your parents trauma may have impacts on how you were parented and on how you experience the world, there are also ways to recover from trauma and adverse childhood experiences, says Lurie.

Whether youre navigating childhood trauma or trauma from being parented by someone with their own trauma, dealing with the effects can be challenging. But its possible to heal.

A 2019 clinical trial involving 39 English-speaking adults and a 6-week expressive writing program suggests creative expression, meditation, and mindfulness might help reduce depression symptoms and increase resilience in people with a history of trauma.

Creating supportive social environments can be challenging, especially if youve experienced trauma. But you might find it helpful to lean on others for support. Consider:

Connecting with a trauma specialist is also an option. There are various therapies for trauma.

You might also find it helpful to look for a therapist who regularly works with people from your specific cultural background or gender identity.

Psychotherapy can be very effective in treating mental health challenges, including those that may be caused or exacerbated by adverse childhood experiences. There is hope, and there is help, says Lurie.

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Understanding the Epigenetics of Childhood Trauma - Psych Central

Presently, there are no effective therapies for spinal cord damage. Physical therapy can help patients regain some movement, but the outcomes are heavily limited in severe cases due to the inability of spinal neurons to repair organically after injury.

However, in a study published in the journal PLOS Biology, Simone Di Giovanni and his research team at Imperial College London (United Kingdom) have looked to change this roadblock. The team displayed how weekly treatments that contain an epigenetic activator can help the regeneration of motor and sensory neurons in the spinal cord, when administered to mice 12 weeks after a serious injury.

Using a small molecule known asTTK21, theresearchers were able to trigger genetic programming that stimulates axon regeneration in neurons. TTK21 affects gene epigenetics via activating the CBP/p300 family of coactivator proteins.

TTK21 therapy was investigated in micemodels where the specimen had experiencedsevere spinal cord damage. The mice were raised in an enriching environment that allowed them to be physically active, as is recommended for human patients.

The treatment started 12 weeks after the severe spinal cord damage and lasted 10 weeks. Researchers discovered numerous improvements following TTK21 therapy when compared to the control treatment. Increased neuron sprouting in the spinal cord was the most noticeable effect. The researchers additionally found that motor axon retraction above the site of injury stopped and sensory axon development sharply increased. These changes were most likely caused by the observed increase in gene expression associated with regeneration. The next stage will be to further increase these effects to stimulate the regenerated axons to reconnect with the rest of the nervous system, so that the mice regain the capability to may move freely again.

Di Giovanni goes on to emphasize, This work shows that a drug called TTK21 that is administered systemically once/week after a chronic spinal cord injury in animals can promote neuronal regrowth and an increase in synapses that are needed for neuronal transmission. This is important because chronic spinal cord injury is a condition without a cure where neuronal regrowth and repair fail. We are now exploring the combination of this drug with strategies that bridge the spinal cord gap such as biomaterials as possible avenues to improve disability in spinal cord injury patients.

Press release:https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/964425

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Epigenetic therapy promotes spinal cord regeneration in mice following injury - RegMedNet

Oryzon Genomics, S.A.

MADRID, Spain and BOSTON, Oct. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oryzon Genomics, S.A. (ISIN Code: ES0167733015, ORY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging epigenetics to develop therapies in diseases with strong unmet medical need, announced today that its management will give an update on corporate progress at several international events in October.

Oryzon will participate at the Chardan's 6th Annual Genetic Medicines Conference, which will be held on October 3-4 in New York (USA). The company will hold one-to-one meetings with pharmaceutical companies and global investors. Click on link for more info about the Chardan's 6th Annual Genetic Medicines Conference

Oryzon will participate at the MSD European Business Development Outreach, which will be held on October 5 in Zurich (Switzerland). The company will hold one-to-one meetings with pharmaceutical companies and global investors.

Oryzon will participate at the Iberian Digital Forum on October 6-7, where the company will hold one-to-one meetings with national investors.

Oryzon will participate at the AACR Special Conference: Cancer Epigenomics in Washington (USA) on October 6-8, where the company will present a poster communication entitled: ASCL1 and SOX2 expression levels predict sensitivity to LSD1 inhibition with iadademstat in small cell lung cancer on October 7 at 18:00 ET. Click on link for more info about the AACR Special Conference: Cancer Epigenomics

Oryzon has been invited to the European Brain Council (EBC)s annual European congress, Brain Innovation Days, which will be held on October 11-12 in Brussels (Belgium). The company will take part in a panel discussion entitled Innovative Funding Models, taking place on October 12 at 14:35 CEST. Click on link for more info about the Brain Innovation Days

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Oryzon has been invited to the HealthTech Innovation Days, which will be held on October 13-14 in Paris (France). The company will participate at a round table devoted to age-related diseases on October 13 at 11:00 CEST. Click on link for more info about the HealthTech Innovation Days

Oryzon will attend BIO-Europe 2022, which will be held in Leipzig (Germany) and virtually on October 24-26, where the company will provide a corporate update and will also hold one-to-one meetings with pharmaceutical companies and global investors. Click on link for more info about BIO-Europe 2022

Finally, Oryzon will participate at the 34th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium, which will be held on October 26-28 in Barcelona (Spain). The company will present two poster communications entitled Iadademstat effects on neuroendocrine, inflamed and mesenchymal gene expression patterns in small cell lung cancer subtypesand Iadademstat and gilteritinib synergistically abrogate viability of both treatment-nave and drug-resistant AML cellson October 27. Click on link for more info about the 34th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium

About OryzonFounded in 2000 in Barcelona, Spain, Oryzon (ISIN Code: ES0167733015) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company considered as the European leader in epigenetics. Oryzon has one of the strongest portfolios in the field, with two LSD1 inhibitors, iadademstat and vafidemstat, in Phase II clinical trials, and other pipeline assets directed against other epigenetic targets. In addition, Oryzon has a strong platform for biomarker identification and target validation for a variety of malignant and neurological diseases. For more information, visit http://www.oryzon.com

About Iadademstat Iadademstat (ORY-1001) is a small oral molecule, which acts as a highly selective inhibitor of the epigenetic enzyme LSD1 and has a powerful differentiating effect in hematologic cancers (see Maes et al., Cancer Cell 2018 Mar 12; 33 (3): 495-511.e12.doi: 10.1016 / j.ccell.2018.02.002.). A FiM Phase I/IIa clinical trial with iadademstat in R/R AML patients demonstrated the safety and good tolerability of the drug and preliminary signs of antileukemic activity, including a CRi (see Salamero et al, J Clin Oncol, 2020, 38(36): 4260-4273. doi: 10.1200/JCO.19.03250). In an ongoing, fully-accrued Phase IIa trial in elder 1L-AML patients (ALICE trial), iadademstat has shown encouraging safety and efficacy data in combination with azacitidine (see Salamero et al., EHA 2022 poster). The company has obtained approval from the U.S. FDA for its IND for FRIDA, a Phase Ib trial of iadademstat plus gilteritinib in patients with relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3 mutations. Beyond hematological cancers, the inhibition of LSD1 has been proposed as a valid therapeutic approach in some solid tumors such as small cell lung cancer (SCLC), neuroendocrine tumors (NET), medulloblastoma and others. In a Phase IIa trial in combination with platinum/etoposide in second line ED-SCLC patients (CLEPSIDRA trial), preliminary activity and safety results have been reported (see Navarro et al., ESMO 2018 poster). New trials in combination in SCLC and NET are under preparation. Oryzon has recently entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) to collaborate on potential further clinical development of iadademstat in different types of solid and hematological cancers. In total iadademstat has been dosed so far to more than 100 cancer patients in four clinical trials. Iadademstat has orphan drug designation for SCLC in the US and for AML in the US and EU.

About Vafidemstat Vafidemstat (ORY-2001) is an oral, CNS optimized LSD1 inhibitor. The molecule acts on several levels: it reduces cognitive impairment, including memory loss and neuroinflammation, and at the same time has neuroprotective effects. In animal studies vafidemstat not only restores memory but reduces the exacerbated aggressiveness of SAMP8 mice, a model for accelerated aging and Alzheimers disease (AD), to normal levels and also reduces social avoidance and enhances sociability in murine models. In addition, vafidemstat exhibits fast, strong and durable efficacy in several preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Oryzon has performed two Phase IIa clinical trials in aggressiveness in patients with different psychiatric disorders (REIMAGINE) and in aggressive/agitated patients with moderate or severe AD (REIMAGINE-AD), with positive clinical results reported in both. Additional finalized Phase IIa clinical trials with vafidemstat include the ETHERAL trial in patients with Mild to Moderate AD, where a significant reduction of the inflammatory biomarker YKL40 has been observed after 6 and 12 months of treatment, and the pilot, small scale SATEEN trial in Relapse-Remitting and Secondary Progressive MS, where antiinflammatory activity has also been observed. Vafidemstat has also been tested in a Phase II in severe Covid-19 patients (ESCAPE) assessing the capability of the drug to prevent ARDS, one of the most severe complications of the viral infection, where it showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in severe Covid-19 patients. Currently, vafidemstat is in two Phase IIb trials in borderline personality disorder (PORTICO) and in schizophrenia patients (EVOLUTION). The company is also deploying a CNS precision medicine approach with vafidemstat in genetically-defined patient subpopulations of certain CNS disorders and is preparing a clinical trial in Kabuki Syndrome patients. The company is also exploring the clinical development of vafidemstat in other neurodevelopmental syndromes.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This communication contains, or may contain, forward-looking information and statements about Oryzon, including financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, capital expenditures, synergies, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally identified by the words expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates and similar expressions. Although Oryzon believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of Oryzon shares are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Oryzon that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the documents sent by Oryzon to the Spanish Comisin Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), which are accessible to the public. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and have not been reviewed by the auditors of Oryzon. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributable to Oryzon or any of its members, directors, officers, employees or any persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. All forward-looking statements included herein are based on information available to Oryzon on the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, Oryzon does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Oryzons securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of Oryzons securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Oryzon or the selling security holder, as applicable, that will contain detailed information about Oryzon and management, as well as financial statements.

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+1 617 430 7577

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ORYZON to Give Updates on Corporate Progress in October - Yahoo Finance

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Resverlogix Corp. (TSX:RVX) (OTCPink:RVXCF), a world leader in epigenetics, or gene regulation, announced that apabetalones future development related to COVID-19, will focus on the prevention and treatment of Post COVID-19 Conditions. The companys new focus on patients with Post COVID-19 Conditions (PCC), colloquially known as long-COVID, as opposed to hospitalized COVID-19 patients, reflects the compelling opportunity for apabetalone to benefit long-COVID patients along with guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on the image or link below:

For more information, please view the InvestmentPitch Media video which provides additional information about this news and the company. The video is available for viewing on InvestmentPitch.com and on YouTube. If these links are not enabled, please visit http://www.InvestmentPitch.com and enter Resverlogix in the search box.

Following the recent FDA meeting, Dr. Michael Sweeney, Senior VP, Clinical Development for Resverlogix, stated: We are grateful to the FDA for the feedback and suggestions provided in our recent Type C meeting, and we look forward to continuing to work with regulators in our evaluation of apabetalones safety and efficacy in treating Post COVID-19 Conditions.

A recent estimate from the CDC suggests that as many as one-in-three US adults may experience long-COVID after contracting COVID-19. Vaccination against COVID-19 helps reduce the risk of long-COVID, but only by as little as 15%, according to a recent study of more than 13 million people.

Dr. Michael Sweeney, added: Patients around the world are dealing with persistent COVID-19 symptoms, often lasting weeks and months after their initial infections. There are currently few available treatment options for this group of people, and we feel that apabetalone has great potential to help them. We know that individuals who contract COVID-19 are at greater risk of negative cardiovascular outcomes, and we have seen the cardioprotective benefit of apabetalone in other high-risk populations.

Founded in 2001, Resverlogix is a Calgary based late-stage biotechnology company and the world leader in epigenetics, or gene regulation, with the goal of developing first-in-class therapies for the benefit of patients with chronic disease. Resverlogix is developing a new class of epigenetic therapies designed to regulate the expression of disease-causing genes.

Apabetalone (RVX-208), is a first-in-class, small molecule, therapeutic candidate with an epigenetic mechanism of action. It is a BD2 (bromodomain) selective BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) inhibitor that works in preventing and treating disease progression by regulating the expression of disease-causing genes. Due to the extensive role for BET proteins in the human body, apabetalone, can simultaneously target multiple disease-related biological processes while maintaining a well-described safety profile leading to a new way to treat chronic disease.

Apabetalone received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA and is the only drug of its class with an established safety record in human clinical trials, with well over 4200 patient-years of safety data across 10 clinical trials. Studies published in prestigious scientific journals, including Cell, demonstrate that apabetalone has the potential to act against COVID-19 with a unique dual-mechanism: first by preventing viruses from entering the cells and replicating; and second by averting excessive inflammatory reactions that can cause severe and lasting organ damage.

The investigational treatment could potentially reduce the severity and duration of post COVID-19 conditions. Apabetalones unique dual-mechanism also means that it has the potential to show efficacy against new COVID-19 variants and may even help fight other viruses. The company is finalizing the Phase 3 study protocol of apabetalone in PCC and plans to launch the trial in the first half of 2023, subject to all necessary regulatory and other applicable approvals and securing the necessary resources.

Resverlogix has partnered with EVERSANA, the pioneer of next generation commercial services to the global life sciences industry, to support the rapid global commercialization of apabetalone for COVID-19. EVERSANA is currently leading clinical outreach and advocacy for apabetalone.

The shares are trading at $0.21. For more information. please visit companys website, http://www.resverlogix.com, or contact the company at 403-254-9252 or by email at ir@resverlogix.com.

Disclaimer

The information in this InvestmentPitch Media Ltd video is for the viewers information only. Resverlogix has paid a fee not exceeding $2,000 in cash to have its current news release produced in video format. The corporate information is based on information that is publicly available. Any information provided by InvestmentPitch Media Ltd., through its media services is not to be construed as a recommendation or suggestion or offer to buy or sell securities but is provided solely as an informational media service. InvestmentPitch Media Ltd makes no warranties or undertakings as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. All due diligence should be done by the viewer or their financial advisor. Investing in securities is speculative and carries risk.

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InvestmentPitch Media Video Discusses Resverlogix and its Focus on Apabetalone's Future Development for the Prevention and Treatment of Post COVID-19...

CHICAGO, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Cardio Diagnostics, Inc. ("Cardio Diagnostics"), a pioneering precision cardiovascular medicine company, announced they will sponsor and participate in the American Heart Association's 2022 Metro Chicago Heart Walk. The event will occur at Soldier Field (410 Museum Campus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605) on September 16, 2022.

"We're thrilled to be able to support a wonderful cause that will bring attention and funding to such a critical issue."

Non-profit agencies like the American Heart Associationplay a critical role in educating the public about heart disease and its risk factors. The American Heart Association also works with partners to promote heart-healthy policies, such as tobacco control measures, and supports research to further our understanding of this complex condition.

"We're thrilled to be able to support a wonderful cause that will bring attention and funding to such a critical issue," stated Meesha Dogan, co-founder, and CEO of Cardio Diagnostics. "It takes multiple stakeholders working together to address heart disease. By collaborating and sharing resources, we can make a real difference in the fight against this leading cause of death in the United States."

Cardio Diagnostics' test, Epi+Gen CHD, is a clinical test that was recently commercialized to assess the 3-year risk for coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease and the primary cause of heart attacks.Epi+Gen CHD is a scientifically backed clinical test that is based on an individual's objective genetic and epigenetic DNA biomarkers. In a peer-reviewed study done in collaboration with Intermountain Healthcare (Dogan, Meeshanthini & Knight, Stacey & Dogan, Timur & Knowlton, Kirk & Philibert, Robert. (2021). External validation of integrated genetic-epigenetic biomarkers for predicting incident coronary heart disease. Epigenomics. 13. 10.2217/epi-2021-0123), this test demonstrated a 76% and 78% sensitivity for men and women, respectively, for three-year CHD risk.

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This means that for every 100 men and 100 women deemed "at-risk" for a coronary heart disease event, the test correctly identifies 76 men and 78 women. In comparison, the average sensitivity of the Framingham Risk Score and the ASCVD Pooled Cohort Equation was found to be 44% and 32% for men and women, respectively. Epi+Gen CHD is approximately 1.7 times and 2.4 times more sensitive than the current lipid-based clinical risk estimators in men and women, respectively.

More details about the Chicago and surrounding area Heart Walk events can be found here.

About Cardio Diagnostics, Inc.:

Cardio Diagnostics is a biotechnology company that makes cardiovascular disease prevention and early detection more accessible, personalized, and precise. The company's vision is to transform medical care for cardiovascular disease from reactive to proactive. With prevention and early detection as the new norm, epigenetics-based technologies driven by artificial intelligence will usher in an era of Precision Cardiovascular Medicine. The company's flagship solutions were developed in partnership with dedicated scientists and clinicians; the Cardio Diagnostics' Epi+Gen CHD test helps clinicians better assess each patient's risk profile for cardiovascular disease. For more information, see https://cardiodiagnosticsinc.com/.

No Offer or Solicitation

On May 31, 2022, Cardio Diagnostics, Inc. announced that the Company had entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Mana Capital Acquisition Corp. ("Mana"). Mana has filed a Form S-4 Registration Statement/proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the proposed Business Combination.

This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization concerning any securities or in respect of the proposed Business Combination. It shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Mana or Cardio, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except utilizing a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Contact:Khullani M. Abdullahi. JDpr@cardiodiagnosticsinc.com

Cision

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cardio-diagnostics-to-sponsor-participate-in-the-american-heart-associations-2022-metro-chicago-heart-walk-301624186.html

SOURCE Cardio Diagnostics, Inc.

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Cardio Diagnostics To Sponsor, Participate in the American Heart Association's 2022 Metro Chicago Heart Walk - Yahoo Finance

Sep. 9Jamie Ford's new novel is part historical fiction, part feminist fiction, part science fiction and totally captivating.

"The Many Daughters of Afong Moy" grabs the reader's attention from the beginning and holds it through generations of a mythical family that jumps to life on these pages.

It follows the tale of a real woman, Afong Moy, the first recognized Chinese woman immigrant to America. Although not much is known about her, Ford imagines a family journey through the lens of recent psychological studies that suggest trauma can be passed between generations. It's called epigenetics and Ford uses the developing research to drive the story.

Not much is really known about what happened to Afong after she was brought to America by white traders and then exhibited as a sideshow attraction to sell wares from the Far East. With her bound feet and exotic beauty, she was an early brand ambassador and influencer, although not in the glamorous way currently portrayed on social media. She was abused by her handlers and, after a brief sensation as a curiosity who made headlines across the nation, disappeared, forgotten to history.

Using the theory of shared generational trauma, however, Ford brings her back to life and fills in blanks about what could have happened to the women who followed her.

Ford's intense research into the science behind the plot lends a strong credibility to the story and sweeps the reader away into the world of Afong and her possible female progeny.

Based on real-life studies at Emory University, New York's Mount Sinai Hospital and other venerable institutions, researchers have shown that trauma of past generations could be passed along, for example, in families of Holocaust survivors and Native Americans. It's been themes in other books reviewed in these pages, such as "Red Paint," the memoir by Sasha taqweblu LaPointe.

Ford then weaves this topic with the beliefs of Buddhism and karma, which partner perfectly in driving this fascinating storyline.

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He explores all of that through Afong's story and what might have happened to her descendants: a girl who escapes the Barbary Plague in San Francisco's Chinatown at the turn of the 20th century, a brilliant British boarding school student in the 1920s, a World War II nurse, the developer of a dating app, the future poet laureate of Washington, and her daughter.

Throughout, Ford weaves the details of their lives together, not just through their tribulations but even through the music they listen to and the poetry they unintentionally pass along to one another.

Nature rarely cooperates, as Ford imagines a future 20 years away, where the rains of Seattle churn into an annual typhoon season that floods streets and destroys buildings the way hurricanes are ravaging the South. Spokane contends with a contingency of white nationalists and fire season.

After a particularly destructive storm in 2043, people in the Seattle subway show special kindness, patience, and charity to one another. "Even the Amazon workers looked happy," Ford writes. The ancillary characters are fully formed, even when most of them are causing pain.

It's easy to fall in love with Afong Moy and all her daughters. Despite the years that pass, they never seem to rise above the struggles of just being a woman. Even when they succeed, they are one step away from a man stepping in to rob them of the success they may attain, or dignity they hope to hold close.

Stories of pandemics, failures of immigration policies, misogyny, racism and the fickle tech industry all come together to create a story of the past and future clearly relevant with our present.

This is an emotional ride that keeps you flipping pages to find out what will happen to these strong, loving women working so hard to overcome the trauma that haunts and burdens them.

Because no matter what's thrown at them, they manage to maintain hope.

And this really is a book about hope.

Sometimes, it's all we have left.

Excerpt from:
Book review: Daughters and the stories they carry - Yahoo News