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EPIGENETICS OF WOLVERINE

Presented by:

Kai La Tsang: 400260992

Juhi K Olkh: 400254652

Adrian G Dinoiu: 400267178

Timothy Tran 400339397

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MOVIE SUMMARY

01

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Movie Summary

  • Abilities are controlled by revenge fueled by recounting emotional trauma
  • Abilities: strong claws, resistance to physical trauma, heightened senses, etc.
  • Environmental conditions manipulated
  • Tortured mutants are rescued at the cost of Wolverine’s memories

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EPIGENETICS

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Genes and Lasagna

Genes = Some online lasagna recipe?

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Enzymes and mutations

  • Enzymes are “helper” proteins

  • Enzymes are not perfect

  • Cellular mistakes that change DNA sequence are called mutations

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Alphabets and DNA

  • DNA = alphabet
  • DNA sequences = words
  • Genes = sentences of instruction

Converting genes into proteins and other molecules is gene expression

DNA

DNA Sequence

Genes

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Epigenetics

  • “Epi” translate to “in addition to” or “on top of”

  • Epigenetic changes are an on/off switch for genes

  • Epigenetics promotes or inhibits gene expression

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“Cheesy Spicy Lasagna”

Genes

Epigenetics

Transcription

Factors

Pleiotropy: One gene affects multiple traits

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Histones help organize DNA

  • DNA in one cells is as long as Captain America
  • Unorganized DNA = tangled headphone
  • Histones organize DNA by charge interaction

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Epigenetic histone modifications

  • Histone Acetyltransferases (HATs) add acetyl groups to histones

  • HATs create “loose” DNA

  • Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) remove acetyl groups

  • HDACs create “tight” DNA

DNA

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EPIGENETIC ORIGINS OF WOLVERINE

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Epigenetics Origin of Wolverine

  • Abilities first triggered during the killing of his father
  • Mutant powers revolve around gene WLVRN
  • Allows for 3 retractable claws

X-Men Origins: Wolverine / Wolverine's Bone Claws (Hugh Jackman). (2013). Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/wolverinejamesloganhowlett/10955507023.

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WLVRN Gene is Pleiotropic

  • Allows for control of more than one trait
  • This includes:
    • Rapid healing
    • Immunity to pathogens
    • Sense of animals
    • Retains age, health, and strength

Obtained from Hood (2009), 55:00-55:02

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Epigenetics Regulation

  • Can be activated and deactivated through histone acetylation
  • Under emotional distress:
    • Addition of acetyl group → activation of WLVRN gene
  • Neutral association allows for translation of WLVRN proteins

Fussell, S. (2016). Here's what Wolverine's cameo in 'X-Men: Apocalypse' might mean for future sequels. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.businessinsider.com/x-men-apocalypse-wolverine-cameo-explained-2016-5.

Hardawar, D. (2009). Wolverine Reshoots Are Go With Gavin Hood At The Helm Read More: https://www.slashfilm.com/626953/dave-chappelle-sparks-justified-outrage-with-new-comedy-special/?utm_campaign=clip. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.slashfilm.com/502092/wolverine-reshoots-are-go-with-gavin-hood-at-the-helm/.

Created with BioRender.com.

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Deactivation of Acetylation

  • When in relaxed state
  • HDACs removes acetyl group from lysine
  • Prevents wolverine’s supernatural abilities

Maggie. (n.d.). X-men Origins wolverine, logan and kayla. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://badinfluencespeaks.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55003818f88340168ea9d6eb6970c-popup.

Sandwell, I. (2016). Bye bye mutton chops! Hugh Jackman says goodbye to Wolverine once and for all ​We're not ready yet though... Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a805501/wolverine-hugh-jackman-shaves-his-mutton-chops-video/.

Created with BioRender.com.

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Epigenetic Writer/Eraser

  • WLVRN gene encodes both a writer and eraser
  • Writer - enzymes that introduce epigenetic modifications on a specific molecule
  • Eraser - enzymes that remove them from a specific molecule

Wolverine Claws. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://tenor.com/view/wolverine-claws-claw-out-claws-out-gif-20215020.

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Epigenetic Writer/Eraser

  • Writer = histone acetyltransferase
  • Activates when the Wolverine is experiencing emotional anguish, promotes WLVRN gene, gaining abilities

  • Eraser = histone deacetylases
  • Activates when the Wolverine is alleviated, silences WLVRN gene, suppressing abilities

Wolverine Claws. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://tenor.com/view/wolverine-claws-claw-out-claws-out-gif-20215020.

Wolverine Smile. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://tenor.com/view/hugh-jackman-smile-happy-satisfied-happiness-gif-15443270.

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Thank you for listening!