The study of epigenetic mechanisms provides important insights into the treatment and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. Ace Therapeutics provides comprehensive services and technical support for studying epigenetic mechanisms in psychiatric disorders. With our expertise in epigenetic analysis, we can assist our clients in investigating the aberrant patterns of gene expression regulation in psychiatric disease states. Our reliable data can provide a scientific basis for epigenetic-based drug screening and development, as well as the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.

Psychiatric Disorders and Epigenetics

Epigenetics may play a role in the pathophysiology leading to psychiatric disorders such as major depression, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. These modifications, often in response to environmental stimuli such as chronic stress and substance abuse, can drive changes in epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications and DNA methylation, both at the overall level and in the promoter regions of key target proteins, resulting in long-lasting and stable changes in gene expression. For example,

• Epigenetic changes in genes associated with neurotransmitter systems and stress responses have been identified in depression, providing new approaches to its treatment.
• In schizophrenia, DNA methylation of genes associated with neurodevelopment and neurotransmission is observed.
• The discovery of epigenetic marker alterations in bipolar disorder provides insight into its complex biology.
• In autism spectrum disorders (ASD), abnormal DNA methylation patterns are implicated.

These findings highlight the complexity of psychiatric disorders. Where genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors interact, Ace Therapeutics is committed to helping researchers unravel these connections to advance psychiatry and pave the way for targeted drug development.

Fig. 1 Complex causes of mental illness affect neurobiology and alter epigenetics during development and adulthood, which in turn affects behavior. (Fernández-Castillo, N., & Martín-García, E., 2022)

Our Services

• Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis: DNA methylation patterns in samples are detected by high-throughput sequencing technology to identify epigenetic changes that may be associated with disease.
• Histone modification analysis: the study of chemical modifications of histones, such as acetylation and methylation, which are critical for the regulation of gene expression and may play a role in psychiatric disorders.
• Small RNA expression profiling: analyzing the expression levels of small RNA molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), which are involved in neurological functions and pathological processes of psychiatric disorders by regulating gene expression.
• Discovery and validation of epigenetic markers: The search for specific epigenetic features that can be used as biomarkers, such as changes in DNA methylation patterns. These markers may be useful for early diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and monitoring of treatment response in psychiatric disorders.

Platform Technologies and Equipment

• Animal models of psychiatric disorders
• Epigenome analysis
• Epitranscriptome analysis
• Next generation sequencing (NGS)
• RNA sequencing technology

Our Service Features

• Personalized: Provides personalized analysis and interpretation based on the disease of interest to the client.
• Comprehensive: Comprehensive analysis covers all epigenetic modifications in the genome.
• High sensitivity: Advanced sequencing and analysis technologies can detect very low-level changes in epigenetic modifications.

Ace Therapeutics is committed to applying our expertise to help our clients provide new insights into the study of epigenetic mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. Our innovative solutions and reliable results inform the development of new, targeted, and personalized treatments for psychiatric disorders. Please contact us for more detailed information. Our experienced team of experts will work closely with you to advance the frontiers of psychiatric disorders treatment.

References

1. Fernández-Castillo, N., & Martín-García, E. " Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Underpinning Vulnerability to Developing Psychiatric Disorders." Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13 (2022): 917198.
2. Grezenko, H.; et al. "Epigenetics in neurological and psychiatric disorders: A comprehensive review of current understanding and future perspectives." Cureus. 15.8 (2023).