Everything Epigenetics - From Aging to Cancer Risk in Epigenetics with Dr. Chiara Herzog

From Aging to Cancer Risk in Epigenetics with Dr. Chiara Herzog

10/23/24 • 48 min

In this week's episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Chiara Herzog and I talk about how epigenetics is making waves in the medical world and how it could change treatment. Translational scientist and research fellow Dr. Herzog provides insights from her role in the Biomarkers of Aging Consortium and her work on the TirolGESUND project, one of the largest multi-omic human lifestyle intervention trials to date. We investigate the potential applications of epigenetics in cancer detection, aging biomarkers, and preventive measures that could change the paradigm of healthcare from one that is reactive to one that is proactive. We also explore the fascinating potential of using epigenetic markers to anticipate disease before it manifests itself, particularly in the context of cancer research, and how this could impact the delivery of tailored healthcare.

You'll learn about:

How Dr. Herzog’s background in neuroscience led her to epigenetics
Recent breakthroughs in epigenetics and why they are promising for healthcare
The potential of epigenetic markers to predict cancer risk and diagnose early stages of cancer
The setup and goals of the TirolGESUND study focusing on intermittent fasting and smoking cessation
The importance of studying epigenetic changes across different cell types and understanding the exposome
How the exposome interacts with our epigenome and its implications for personalized medicine

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and introduction
02:30 Dr. Herzog’s journey from neuroscience to epigenetics
05:40 Recent breakthroughs in epigenetic research
12:10 Epigenetics and cancer risk: promising findings
19:15 TirolGESUND study: setup, interventions, and what to expect
27:40 Why studying different cell types matters in epigenetics
32:00 Understanding the exposome and its impact on health
38:20 Future steps for advancing epigenetic biomarkers in healthcare
45:00 Exciting upcoming projects in epigenetics research

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Visit our website for more information and resources: everythingepigenetics.com

Thank you for joining us at the Everything Epigenetics Podcast and remember you have control over your Epigenetics, so tune in next time to learn more about how to harness this knowledge for your benefit.

You'll learn about:

How Dr. Herzog’s background in neuroscience led her to epigenetics
Recent breakthroughs in epigenetics and why they are promising for healthcare
The potential of epigenetic markers to predict cancer risk and diagnose early stages of cancer
The setup and goals of the TirolGESUND study focusing on intermittent fasting and smoking cessation
The importance of studying epigenetic changes across different cell types and understanding the exposome
How the exposome interacts with our epigenome and its implications for personalized medicine

Support the show

Where to Find Us:
Instagram

Visit our website for more information and resources: everythingepigenetics.com

Previous Episode

Epigenetic Aging in Mood Disorders: Exploring the Role of Lithium and Future Therapies

In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Gabriel Fries and I discuss the fascinating intersections of epigenetics, aging, and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Fries, an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UTHealth, shares his groundbreaking research on the molecular underpinnings of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and suicide risk. We dive into how psychiatric disorders are linked to accelerated aging, how drugs like lithium show promise in reversing these epigenetic changes, and the future of personalized medicine through pharmacoepigenetics.

You'll learn about:

The importance of epigenetics in psychiatric disorders
How psychiatric disorders accelerate the aging process
The anti-aging effects of lithium in bipolar patients
How epigenetic markers can help predict treatment responses
The future of interventional trials aimed at reversing epigenetic aging
The challenges facing the field and the need for replication studies

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Epigenetics and Psychiatry
03:08 – How Epigenetics Mediates Gene-Environment Interactions in Mental Health
06:07 – Epigenetic Aging in Psychiatric Disorders
09:20 – Exploring the Accelerated Aging in Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk
17:02 – The Power of Second-Generation Epigenetic Clocks (PhenoAge, GrimAge)
19:45 – What is DunedinPACE? The Pace of Aging and Psychiatric Disorders
23:10 – Lithium’s Anti-Aging Effects in Bipolar Disorder
32:00 – Future Directions: Personalized Medicine Through Pharmacoepigenetics
36:16 – Interventional Drug Trials and Preventing Epigenetic Aging
38:19 – Challenges in the Field and the Need for Longitudinal Studies
42:00 – Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Dr. Fries and His Research

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Where to Find Us:
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Visit our website for more information and resources: everythingepigenetics.com

Next Episode

Epigenetic Hacks for Longevity: Strategies to Thrive at 62

In this episode of Everything Epigenetics, host Hannah Went sits down with Dave Pascoe, a retired network security architect who’s redefining the way we think about aging. Despite being 62, Dave has been able to have a lower "biological age" and slow pace of aging, a testament to his dedication to health optimization, epigenetics, and biological tuning. Known for ranking among the top contenders in the Rejuvenation Olympics leaderboard, Dave’s journey offers invaluable insights into affordable and effective longevity practices.

You'll learn about:

Dave’s routines and habits for maintaining youthful epigenetic markers
The Rejuvenation Olympics: what it is and how Dave has made his mark
How personalized routines and lifestyle changes can slow down aging

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Everything Epigenetics and Dave Pascoe
00:16 – Dave’s early experiences and what sparked his interest in health and wellness
02:01 – Rejuvenation Olympics and its goals
05:14 – Dave’s evening and morning routines supporting epigenetic health
08:50 – Dave’s “AHA” moment and lifestyle changes
12:33 – Biohacking techniques and tools for longevity
15:50 – Practical steps for longevity accessible to a broad audience
18:40 – Reflections on balancing stress, mindset, and communityJoin us as we explore practical longevity strategies and learn how you, too, can take control of your health journey!

Support the show

Where to Find Us:
Instagram

Visit our website for more information and resources: everythingepigenetics.com