The review was led by Prof. Shaorong Gao of Tongji University, in collaboration with researchers from multiple universities and research institutes across China. It examines how epigenetic mechanisms decide which genes are used, when they are used and how strongly they are expressed - from the earliest stages of development to aging, cancer and therapy.

Bringing together evidence from reproduction, embryonic development, stem-cell research, tissue maintenance, aging, cancer and clinical translation, the review assesses what these mechanisms may mean for reproductive medicine, regenerative medicine and precision treatment. It also distinguishes promising directions from interventions that still require stronger evidence on delivery, specificity and long-term safety.

A new study by researchers from the Atopy (Allergy) Research Center of the Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan, led by Professor François Niyonsaba, has uncovered an “arms race” between melanoma cells and the surrounding skin cells called keratinocytes. Keratinocytes produce LL-37, an antimicrobial peptide that can directly suppress melanoma growth and spread. Melanoma cells escape this protective mechanism by transferring hsa-miR-221-5p through exosomes to keratinocytes in their vicinity, reducing their LL-37 production.

Enteroviruses (EVs) are a diverse group of viruses and a common cause of multiple infections in children. A recent Pediatric Investigation review examines EV infections, highlighting the challenges posed by viral diversity, rapid evolution, immune evasion, and limited treatment and vaccine options. Currently, no specific antiviral treatment exists for EV, and prevention is limited since current vaccines cover only certain serotypes, underscoring the need for further research to expand both preventive and therapeutic options.

NYU Langone Health has named William Gordon Frankle, MD, MBA, an established leader with a proven track record of success, as the new chair of the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.