Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression. By targeting epigenetic mechanisms, epigenetic therapies alter gene expression patterns to treat diseases. Some of these mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone modifications. DNA methylation is the attachment of chemical compounds called methyl groups to DNA so as to activate or silence a gene, whereas histone modifications aim to reduce gene expression by altering chromatin structure, which is the mixture of DNA and proteins that form the chromosomes.In this article, we take a look at six epigenetics biotech companies that are significant as well as up-and-coming players in the industry.Chroma MedicineMassachusetts-based Chroma Medicine has come up with programmable epigenetic editors that target genes and control chromatin conformation. These editors have a DNA binding domain to silence or activate a specific gene and a modular epigenetic effector domain that creates durable methylation patterns to control chromatin conformation and check whether a gene is accessible for transcription. Chromatin conformation is the process that regulates the coordination between DNA replication and transcription.Chroma’s epigenetic editors are able to fully eliminate the expression of the targeted gene as opposed to other current methods that regulate gene expression by cutting the DNA, which in turn may cause unpredictable DNA repair pathways to become activated. Recently, the biotech partnered with the Whitehead Institute for Novel Epigenetic Editing Technology to access a novel technology called CHARM, which is short for coupled histone tail for autoinhibition release of methyltransferase. CHARM uses an epigenetic editing effector domain to recruit and activate endogenous DNA methyltransferases to silence target genes.Earlier this year, it sponsored a preclinical study that found that epigenetic gene silencing can suppress a target gene – in this case, the Pcsk9 gene linked to high cholesterol – further strengthening the science behind epigenetic therapeutics. Last year, the epigenetics company was among The Endpoints 11, and named a top startup to hit the biotech scene with its novel science and technology.Storm TherapeuticsRNA is a key player in cellular decision-making, especially non-coding RNA

License provides exclusive access to innovative epigenetic editors and expands the reach of Chroma's platformBOSTON, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chroma Medicine, Inc. (Chroma) a genomic medicine company pioneering single-course epigenetic editing therapeutics, today announced it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with the Whitehead Institute to access intellectual property and technology developed in the lab of Chroma co-founder Jonathan Weissman, Ph.D.The novel technology called CHARM (coupled histone tail for autoinhibition release of methyltransferase) uses a compact epigenetic editing effector domain to recruit and activate endogenous DNA methyltransferases to durably silence target genes. CHARM can utilize a self-silencing mechanism to limit its duration of expression and has been shown by Dr. Weissman's lab to induce brain-wide prion protein silencing in vivo.With an aim to deliver on the transformative potential of epigenetic editing, Chroma is expanding the versatility of its platform by leveraging this new technology to rapidly advance a new class of therapeutics that harness epigenetics, nature's innate mechanism for gene regulation, to achieve unparalleled control of gene expression without cutting, nicking, or altering the DNA sequence."This agreement is a powerful example of our deep commitment to innovation in genomic medicines," said Catherine Stehman-Breen, M.D., Chroma's Chief Executive Officer. "Adding CHARM to our arsenal of technologies strengthens our mission to bring a broad portfolio of durable epigenetic editing therapeutics to patients."About Whitehead Institute and Weissman LaboratoryWhitehead Institute is a world-renowned non-profit research institute dedicated to improving human health through basic biomedical research. Whitehead Institute's mission is to forge new frontiers in science, uncovering insights today that unlock the potential of tomorrow.The Weissman Laboratory is looking at how cells ensure that proteins fold into their correct shape, as well as the role of protein misfolding in disease and normal physiology

Chroma hires Jenny Marlowe as CDO.