Epigenetics Podcast

In this episode of the Epigenetics Podcast, we talked with Nadal Ahituv from University of California, San Francisco about his work on mutations of gene regulatory elements in human disease.
Using massively parallel experiments, Nadav Ahituv revolutionized functional genomics by studying the impact of transcription factor binding sites on gene expression. His groundbreaking technology deciphered the regulatory language of gene expression by exploring transcription factor combinations, spacing, and orientation. By delving into the influence of DNA shape and gene topology, Nadav Ahituv's research provides a comprehensive understanding of gene regulation at the molecular level, shedding light on the complexity of genetic interactions.
The conversation then delves into specific cases involving enhancers, gene sequencing, and 3D genomic structure, highlighting the impact of critical elements such as CTCF sites on gene expression. Discussions of haploid insufficiency and its implications for human health, using CRISPR technology to enhance gene expression, offer new possibilities for treating genetic diseases. Explorations of leptin-responsive regulatory elements in the hypothalamus and liver-associated transcription factors provide insights into metabolic regulation and gene expression networks in different tissues.
The episode also explores the epigenomic landscape, the evolution of methods from bulk approaches to single-cell analyses, and the role of AI and machine learning in deciphering complex genetic patterns. The conversation transitions to a unique study of bat embryonic development, dietary differences, and their implications for understanding wing development and metabolism in different bat species.