How much control do we have over our health? The study of epigenetics made us aware of the remarkable malleability of our phenotype, prompting closer investigation on how lifestyle and environment impact our health and longevity. In this context, glycans - a class of historically understudied biological polymers may hold the key to a better understanding of the interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to disease development. Olga Zaytseva is a post-doctoral researcher at Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory in Croatia, her research focuses on the relationship between human diseases and the regulation of antigen-specific IgG glycans. Listen in as she unravels the latest research on genetic and epigenetic regulation of IgG glycosylation and introduces us to the role of environmental factors in common diseases, from obesity to depression.

We Discuss:

• Genetics versus Epigenetics: Understanding the Differences [02:22]
• Epigenetic Changes in Disease: Exploring the Example of Depression [07:37]
• Good vs. Bad Glycans: Debunking the Myths [12:31]
• Measuring Glycans on IgG: Benefits and Applications [15:40]
• GWAS and Glycosylation: Unravelling the Genetic Regulation [21:21]
• The Role of Environment in Epigenetic Changes: Examining the Learning Process Example [24:46]
• Mutations make sense in the Context: A Closer Look at Obesity [30:08]
• Environmental Impact on IgG Glycome: Insights from Smoking and Diet [32:44]
• Behaviour and IgG Glycome: Is There a Connection? [34:46]
• Pleiotropy and Poor Hearing in White Cats: What's the Link? [36:18]
• Glycan Changes and Disease: Causative or Consequential? [40:59]
• IgG Glycans and Country Development: Investigating the Association [47:51]
• Glycans as Biomarkers: Challenges and Opportunities [51:51]
• Exciting Questions Yet to Be Answered: Future Directions in Glycan Research [57:46]

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Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice.