Joseph Ecker - What Lies Above? Mapping the Human Brain Epigenome

Professor Ecker highlighted the potential impact of DNA methylation in brain cells on human cognitive abilities. He discussed how this specific DNA methylation in the brain primarily occurred at CH sites and was closely associated with synaptic events, particularly around birth. Employing snm3C-seq technology, which allowed for the simultaneous measurement of DNA methylation and chromatin conformation in individual cells, with a focus on CH methylation, Professor Ecker's team was able to classify neurons based on their epigenetic profiles. Furthermore, they discovered that the absence of a DNA methyltransferase enzyme called DNMT3A led to abnormal CH methylation, impacting synaptic connectivity between neurons and the formation of long-term memories. These studies unveiled the critical role of CH methylation in the brain, providing new insights into the mechanisms and potential treatments for cognitive function and neurodegenerative diseases.